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Ch. 16 Atomic Energy
Chapter 16 Vocab: Atomic Energy Flashcards
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Radioactivity (radioactive decay) | the process where unstable nuclei give off nuclear radiation |
Nuclear Radiation | the high energy particles and rays emitted by the nuclei of some atoms |
Henry Becquerel | French scientist who discovered radioactivity |
Marie Curie | Polish scientist who named radioactivity |
Alpha Decay | Releases alpha particles; atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4 |
Alpha Particle | Made up of 2 protons and neutrons (helium atom nucleus). Least penetrating power |
Beta Decay | Release of beta particle; atomic number increases by 1, mass number stays the same |
Beta Particle | Electron/positron. Comes from the breakdown of a neutron. Greater penetrating power than alpha particle |
Gamma Decay | Releases gamma rays; energy. Highest penetrating power |
Isotope | Atoms of elements that have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons |
Dangers of Radiation | Radiation sickness, damage to cell, cancers, damage to buildings |
Uses of Radiation | Dating fossils, medicine, finding leaks in pipes |
Half-life | Time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay |
Tracer | Radioactive element whose path can be traced with a reaction or a process |
Nuclear Fission | Process where a nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei. Releases neutrons |
Nuclear Fusion | Process where two nuclei combine to form a larger nuclei. Powers the sun. |