| term | defintion |
| Alpha Particle | weakest type of neclear radiation |
| artificial transmutation | changing of 1 element into anohter by unnatural means; involves bombarding a nucleus w/ a high energy particles to cause change. |
| gamma ray | high frequency electromagnet wave released during gamma decay. |
| beta particle | electron created in the nucleus of an atomo, released during beta decay. |
| binding energy | energy associated with the strong nuclear force that holds atomic nucleus together, related to stability of a nucleus. |
| decay series | sequence of steps by which a radioactive nucleus decays into a nonradioactive nucleus. |
| half life | amount of time it takes for half the atom in a given sample of an element to decay. |
| radioactive decay | process by which a nucleus spontaneously emits particles or rays to become lighter and more stable. |
| tracer | radioactive element who's pathway can be followed through the steps of a chemical reaction or industrial process. |
| transmutation | process in which one element is chagned into another as a result of changes in a nucleus. |
| nuclear chain reaction | series of fission reactions that occur because the products released during one fission reaction cause fission reactions in other atoms. |
| nuclear fission | splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei of larger mass. |
| transmuranium element | element formed synthetically; has more than 92 protons in its nucleus. |
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