Question

Describe major highlights of nuclear radiation. State the three types of nuclear radiation. What are nuclear reactions?

250 or more words please with explanations.

Answer 1

Nuclear Reaction: A reaction that transforms one nucleus to another is called a nuclear reaction. Two general forms of reactions are nuclear decay reactions ( also called radioactive decay) and nuclear transmutation reactions. In a nuclear decay reaction an unstable nucleus emits radiation and transforms other nucleus. The resulting nucleus (daughter nucleus) is more stable than the parent nucleus. In nuclear transmutation reactions a nucleus interacts with other nucleus or subatomic particle to form other nucleus (or nuclei). nuclear transmutation reactions are of two types nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reactions. In nuclear fission a heavy nucleus like U²³⁵ breaks into smaller nuclei and in fusion reactions two smaller nucleilike H¹ combine to form heavy nucleus like He².

Nuclear Radiations: The energy released in a nuclear reaction in the form of electromagnetic radiation or high energy particles constitute nuclear radiations. There are three primary typs of nuclear radiations- Alpha, Beta and Gama rays.

Alpha- These are the fast moving high energy doubly ionised helium nuclei. Due to their high mass these are easily stopped by air or piece of paper.These radiations have less ionising power.

Beta- These are fast moving electrons. These radiations have higher ionising power than alpha radiations because of lower mass. Thes are produced in a nucleus by decay of a neutron.

Gama- These are electromagnetic radiations with very high energy. These are highly ionising in nature and have high penetrating power than alpha and beta pradiations.