(a) Arrange the following in their correct order of increasing energy: alpha particles, gamma rays and beta particles (b) State one difference between nucle...
(a) Arrange the following in their correct order of increasing energy: alpha particles, gamma rays and beta particles
(b) State one difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
(a) Order of increasing energy
The energy carried by the three radiations increases in the order:
alpha particles < beta particles < gamma rays
Alpha particles are the least energetic (heavy, slow moving), beta particles are of intermediate energy, while gamma rays are the most energetic (high frequency electromagnetic radiation).
(b) One difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fusion
A heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei.
Two light nuclei combine (join) to form a heavier nucleus.
The energy carried by the three radiations increases in the order:
alpha particles < beta particles < gamma rays
Alpha particles are the least energetic (heavy, slow moving), beta particles are of intermediate energy, while gamma rays are the most energetic (high frequency electromagnetic radiation).
(b) One difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fusion
A heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei.
Two light nuclei combine (join) to form a heavier nucleus.