Well right now, in Chemistry, I am learning about Nuclear Chemistry and had to do a huge project on it. What I've learned do far, is that there are three diff. kinds of radiation emitted during the splitting (fission), of a really big nuclei of an element, those are alpha, beta, and gamma (rays) particles. Now, I believe if my research is correct, the type of radiation emitted from the splitting nuclei, depends on the element being split. For instance if uranium were to be under go nuclear fission, gamma rays will be emitted from it, or if polonium were to under go fission it will emit alpha particles. Now ther emay be flaws to my answer, but I hope this helped you. :)
Radiation
In a nuclear reaction, mass and energy must be conserved. Nuclear reactions involve the conversion of mass into energy, following Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2, which states that mass and energy are equivalent.
Nuclear bombs are made of highly enriched uranium or plutonium. These materials undergo a nuclear fission chain reaction, releasing enormous amounts of energy in the form of heat and radiation, resulting in a powerful explosion. Additionally, nuclear bombs contain conventional high explosive materials to trigger the nuclear reaction and amplify the blast.
Nuclear reactors split uranium atoms in a process called nuclear fission to release energy. This process generates heat that is used to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. Burning uranium would involve a chemical reaction, while nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction.
When you combine plutonium and uranium, a nuclear reaction can occur which releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This process is known as nuclear fission, where the nuclei of the atoms split into smaller fragments, releasing energy and additional neutrons. This reaction is the basis for nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
In most cases neutrons are emitted and capable of maintaining a nuclear chain reaction
The type of radiation given off in this nuclear reaction is beta minus (Ξ²-) radiation. In this process, a neutron in the carbon-14 nucleus converts into a proton and an electron, which is emitted as beta radiation. This results in the transformation of carbon-14 into nitrogen-14.
AlphaBetaGammaX-RayNeutronUVBUVAVisible lightIRMicrowavesMore or less some of everything.
Yes, radiation is a broader term that refers to the emission and propagation of energy through space or a material medium. Nuclear radiation specifically refers to the particles and electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom, typically during a nuclear reaction such as radioactive decay or nuclear fission.
In most cases neutrons are emitted and capable of maintaining a nuclear chain reaction
Gamma radiation is typically emitted during detonation of nuclear weapons. Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is highly penetrating and often associated with nuclear fission reactions.
Gamma radiation
Nuclear reactors are shielded using materials that absorb or block harmful radiation emitted during the nuclear reaction process. The shielding typically consists of concrete, lead, or steel to contain and reduce the amount of radiation that can escape from the reactor core. Multiple layers of shielding are used to protect workers, the environment, and surrounding areas from exposure to radiation.
Neutron Radiation
Shockwaves and thermal radiation are mainly emiited in a nuclear detonation. When the nuclear blasts hits the ground, kinetic energy from the impact will be released, similar to an earthquake, causing shockwaves. Thermal radiation, or electromagnetic radiation, a result of energy released from the nuclear reaction of two nitrogen atoms forming a carbon and an oxygen atom, causes fires, thermal burns and blindness.
The nuclear radiation emitted from natural sources all around us is called background radiation. It includes radiation from sources like radon gas, cosmic rays, and radioactive materials in soil and rocks. This background radiation is typically low-level and varies depending on geographic location.
Nucleus of an atom.