Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Nuclear Chemistry

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Nuclear Chemistry 1. Isotope vs. Ion Often, students get confused between isotopes and ions. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, while ions are atoms with a different number of electrons, resulting in a charge. So, isotopes differ in their atomic mass, while ions differ in their charge. 2. Fission vs. Fusion Fission and fusion are both nuclear reactions, but they're opposite processes. Fission involves splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones, releasing energy. On the other hand, fusion combines light nuclei to form a heavier one, also releasing energy. Fission is the process behind nuclear power plants, while fusion powers the sun. 3. Radioactive Decay vs. Nuclear Reaction Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process where an unstable nucleus emits radiation, transforming into a more stable element. It doesn't require external factors. In contrast, a nuclear reaction involves the interaction of nuclei, often requiring external factors like high energy or collisions. 4. Half-life vs. Lifetime Half-life is the time taken for half of a radioactive substance to decay. It's a fixed property for each isotope.