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Atomic Energy
Radioactivity, energy from nucleus
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Radioactivity | process by which an unstable nucleus gives off nuclear radiation |
| Mass number | protons + neutrons |
| Isotope | Atoms with different numbers of neutrons |
| Alpha particle | stopped by paper or clothing |
| Beta particle | stopped by 3mm of aluminum |
| Gamma ray | stopped by lead or a few meters of concrete |
| Half-life | time needed for half of a sample of radioactive substance to undergo radioactive decay |
| Good uses of radioactivity | treat & prevent illness, can detect defects in structures |
| Nuclear fission | process where nucleus splits into two nuclei |
| Nuclear chain reaction | continuous series of nuclear fission reactions |
| Nuclear fusion | process where smaller nuclei combine into one larger nuclei |
| Disadvantages of fission | nuclear bomb, Chernobyl meltdown, radiation exposure |
| Disadvantages of fusion | costly, expensive research |
| Advantages of fission | electricity |