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Chp8+10Vocab_Ernst
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Solute | A substance whose particles are dissolved in a solution. |
| Solvent | The substance in which the solute dissolves. |
| Dissociation | The process in which an ionic compound separates into ions as it dissolves. |
| Dispersion | Breaking into smaller pieces that spread throughout the water. |
| Ionization | The process in which neutral molecules gain or lose electrons. |
| Acid | A compound that produces hydronium ions when dissolved in water. |
| Indicator | Any substance that changes color in the presence of an acid or base. |
| Base | A compound that produces hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. |
| Neutralization | The reaction between an acid and a base. |
| Salt | The negative ions in an acid combine with the positive ions in the base. |
| pH | A measure of its hydronium ion concentration. |
| buffer | A solution that is resistant to large changes in pH. |
| electrolyte | A substance that ionizes or dissociates into ions when it dissolves in water. |
| radioactivity | The process in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits charged particles and energy. |
| radioisotope | Any atom containing an unstable nucleus. |
| nuclear radiation | Charged particles and energy that is emitted from the nuclei of radioisotopes. |
| Alpha Particle | positively charged particle particle made up of two protons and two neutrons. |
| beta particle | An electron emitted by an unstable nucleus. |
| gamma ray | a penetrating ray of energy emitted by an unstable nucleus. |
| background radiation | nuclear radiation |
| strong nuclear force | attractive force that binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus. |
| fission | splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller parts. |
| chain reaction | neutrons released during the splitting of an initial nucleus trigger a series of nuclear fissions |
| critical mass | smallest possible mass of a fissionable material that can sustain a chain reaction |
| fusion | A process in which the nuclei of two atoms combine to form a larger nucleus |
| plasma | A state of matter in which atoms have been stripped of their electrons |