NAME _____________________________________________
PERIOD __________
DATE ______________________________
Chapter 24: Nuclear Chemistry WS
1. List at least 3 differences between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions.
2. Write a balanced nuclear equation for the reaction in which oxygen-15 undergoes positron
emission.
3. Thorium-229 is used to increase the lifetime of fluorescent bulbs. What type of decay occurs
when thorium-229 decays to form radium-225?
4. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of radium-226.
5. Write the balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of cesium-137.
6. Write the balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of americium-241.
7. The electron capture of strontium-85 can be used by physicians to study bone formation. Write a
balanced nuclear equation for this reaction.
8. Compare and contrast nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reactions.
9. What is the significance of the band of stability?
10. What is one way in which nuclear chemistry is used to diagnose or treat disease?