click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Chapter 16
Atomic Energy
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Radioactivity | the process by which an unstable nucleus gives off nuclear radiation |
| Mass Number | the sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom |
| Isotope | an atom that has the same number of protons as the other atoms of the same element do but that has a different number of nuetrons |
| Half-Life | the time needed for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to undergo radioactive decay |
| Nuclear Fission | the splitting of the nucleus of a large atom into two or more fragments |
| Nuclear Chain Reaction | a continuous seris of nuclear fission reactions |
| Nuclear Fusion | the combination of the nuclei of small atoms to form a larger nucleus; releases energy |