| Word |
definition |
| alpha particle | weakes type of neclear radiation |
| artificial transmutation | changin of one element into another by unnatural means |
| gamma ray | high frequency electromagnet wave released during gamma decay |
| beta particle | electron reated in the nucleus of an atom, relesed during decay |
| binding energy | energy required to break up a nucleus into its component protons and neutrons |
| decay series | sequence of steps by which a radioactive nucleus decays into a non radioactive nucleus. |
| half life | amount of time it takes for half of the atom in a given sample of an element to decay |
| radioactive decay | process in which a nucleus spontaneously emits particles or rays to become lighter and more stable |
| radioactivity | release of energy and matter that results in changes of the nucleus in an atom |
| tracer | radioactive element whose pathway can be follwed thru the steps of a chemical reaction or industrial process |
| transmutation | when an element changes into another element |
| critical mass | the max. amount of mass a atom can hold |
| nuclear chain reaction | series of fission reactions that occur because the products released during one fission reaction cause fission reactions in other atoms |
| nuclear fissions | splitting of an atomic nucleus into 2 dmaller nulei of smaller mass to form a single nucleus of larger mass |
| nuclear reactor | A device in which a fission chain reaction can be initiated, maintained, and controlled. Its essential components are fissionable fuel, moderator, shielding, control rods, and coolant |
| transuranium element | element formed synthetically |
Ch.18 LTI-MA 509
