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Atomic Energy
chapter 16 vocab
Word | Definition |
---|---|
radioactivity | the process by which an unstable nucleus gives off nuclear radiation |
mass number | sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom |
isotope | an atom that has the same number of protons as other atoms of the same element do but that has a different number of neutrons |
half-life | the time needed for half of a sample of radioactive substance to undergo radioactive decay |
nuclear fission | process by which a large nucleus splits into two small nuclei and releases energy |
nuclear chain reaction | a continuous series of nuclear fission reactions |
nuclear fusions | the combination of the nuclei of small atoms to form a larger nucleus; releases energy |