Final answer:
The strong nuclear force holds atomic nuclei together and plays a role in nuclear processes. While fusion reactions cannot happen on Earth, they can be used for nuclear power generation. Uranium-235 is used as fuel for nuclear power plants due to its ability to undergo fission. Radioactive decay can change the nucleus of an atom and is an issue in nuclear power due to the production of radioactive waste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strong nuclear force is one of the fundamental forces of nature that holds the nuclei of atoms together. It is the force that overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons in the nucleus. During nuclear processes, such as fusion or fission, changes occur in the nucleus due to the strong nuclear force. For example, in fusion, two smaller nuclei are brought close enough together for the strong nuclear force to overcome the electrostatic repulsion, resulting in the formation of a larger nucleus.
Nuclear fusion can contribute to nuclear power because it involves the fusion of lighter atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. While fusion reactions cannot occur naturally on Earth due to the high temperatures and pressures required, scientists are working on developing controlled fusion reactions that can potentially be used for nuclear power generation.
Uranium-235 is used as a fuel for nuclear power plants because it is fissile, meaning it can undergo nuclear fission. In a nuclear reactor, uranium-235 undergoes fission when bombarded by neutrons, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. This energy is then harnessed to generate electricity.
There are three main types of radioactive decay: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle from the nucleus, which decreases the atomic number of the nucleus. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) from the nucleus, which changes the neutron-to-proton ratio. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. Radioactive decay can change the nucleus of an atom by altering its atomic number and/or mass number. In the context of nuclear power, radioactive decay can be an issue as it leads to the production of radioactive waste, which requires careful management and disposal.
Learn more about Nuclear processes in relation to the strong nuclear force