| proton |
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| Definition |
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| nucleus |
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| Alpha particle |
weakest type of nuclear radiation; consists of helium nucleus released during alpha decay |
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| Artificial Transmutation |
changing of one element into another by unatural means;involves bombarding a nucleus with high-energy particles to cause a change |
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| Gamma Ray |
high-frequency electromagnet wave released during gamma decay; strongest type of nuclear radiation |
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| Beta particle |
electron, created in the nucleus of an atom, released during beta decay |
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| Binding energy |
energy required to break up a nucleus into its component protons and neutrons |
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| Decay Series |
sequence of steps by which a radio active nucleus decays into a non radioactive nucleus |
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| Half-life |
amount of time it takes for half of the atom in a given sample of an element to decay |
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| Radioactive decay |
process in which a nucleus spontanteously emits particles or rays to become lighter and more stable |
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| Radioactivity |
release of energy and matter that results from changes in the nucleus of an atom |
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| Tracer |
radioactive element whose pathway can be followed through the steps of a chemical reaction or industrial process |
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| Transmutation |
process in which one element is changed into another as a result of changes in the nucleus. |
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| Nuclear Chain Reaction |
series of fission reactions that occur because the products released during one fission reaction cause fission reactions in other atoms |
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| Nuclear Fission |
splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei of approximately equal mass |
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| Nuclear Fusion |
joining of two atomic nuclei of smaller mass to form a single nucleus of larger mass |
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| Trasuranium Element |
element formed synthetically; has more than 92 protons in its nucleus |
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| Critical Mass |
The smallest mass of a fissionable material that will sustain a nuclear chain reaction at a constant level |
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| Nuclear Reactor |
any of several kinds of apparatus that maintain and control a nuclear reaction for the production of energy or artificial elements |
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