Name: Date:
Graded Assignment
Unit Test, Part 2
Answer the questions below. When you have finished, submit this assignment to your teacher by the due date for full credit.
(8 points)
Score

1. Compare and contrast the processes of nuclear fission and fusion, showing similarities and differences. Describe which, if any, of these processes is naturally occurring. If so, where?
Answer:
Nuclear Fission is the break down of atoms into smaller particles. Atoms are bombarded by accelerated neutrons, the collision releases energy that can be harnessed. The electrons ejected from the breakdown of the nucleus collide with other atoms and start a chain reaction. Fission occurs naturally in heavy isotopes such as Uranium, this process is commonly known as radioactive decay. …show more content…
During this process huge amounts of energy are released. Unlike fission, fusion creates less radioactive material and potentially unlimited energy supply. However, unlike fission, fusion cannot be performed under controlled conditions. Fusion also happens naturally, for instance the energy that powers the sun comes from a fusion reaction.
(8 points)
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2. The data in the table show the amount of a 500 g sample of sodium-24 over time.

• Make a graph of the data (remember to label all axes and title the graph). • What is the half-life of sodium-24? Explain how you determined your answer.
A half-life is the time required for a species or a substance to decrease its quantity or concentration by half. Therefore, if we started with 500g of Na-24, the time it takes for the amount to be reduced to 250g is 15 hours.
• Sodium-24 decays by beta emission. Write a nuclear equation that shows the decay of sodium-24 and its products. 24Na ---> 24Mg + e^- + 5.513Mev

(8 points)
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3. Describe the subatomic structure of the nucleus, including the structure of each nucleon.
• Draw a