| Vocabulary |
Definition |
| Alpha particle |
Weakest type of nuclear radiation |
| Artificial Transmutation |
Changing of one element into another by unnatural means |
| Gamma Ray |
High frequency electro magnetic wave released during gamma decay |
| Beta Particle |
Electron, created in the nucleus of an atom, released during beta decay |
| Binding energy |
Energy associated with a strong nuclear force that holds an atomic nucleus together |
| Decay Series |
Sequence of steps by which a radioactive nucleus decays into a non-radioactive nucleus |
| Half-life |
The amount of time it takes for half the atoms in a given sample of an element to decay |
| Radioactive decay |
Process by which a nucleus spontaneously emits particles or rays to become lighter or more stable |
| Radioactivity |
Release of energy and matter that results from changes in the nucleus of an atom |
| Tracer |
Radioactive element whose pathway can be followed through the steps of a chemical reaction or industrial process |
| Transmutation |
Process in which one element is changed into another as the result of changes in the nucleus |
| Nuclear chain reaction |
Series of fission reactions that occur because of products released during one fission reaction cause fission reaction in other atoms |
| Nuclear Fission |
Splitting of an atom nucleus into two smaller particles of the same mass |
| Nuclear fusion |
Joining of two atom nuclei into a single nucleus of larger mass |
| Transuranium element |
Element formed synthetically; more than 92 protons in its nucleus |
| Critical Mass |
a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular resul |
| Nuclear reactor |
An energy plant that uses uranium as a fuel source to boil water for energy |
Ch.18 LTI-MA 509
