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chapter 16 vocab
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is Radioactivity? | The process by which an unstable nucleus gives off nuclear radiation. |
What is Mass Number? | The sum of the numbers and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. |
What is an Isotope? | An atom that has the same number of protons ( or the same atomic number) as other atoms of the same element do but that has a different number of neutrons (and this a different atomic mass) |
What is Half-Life? | The time needed for half of a sample of a radioactive decay. |
What is Nuclear Fission? | The splitting of the nucleus of a large atom into two or more fragments; releases additional neutrons and energy. |
What is a Nuclear Chain Reaction? | A continuous series of nuclear fission reactions. |
What is Nuclear Fusion? | The combination of the nuclie of small atoms to form a larger nucleus; releases energy. |