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physical science
vocab ch. 16
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Radioactive | 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 | atoms that has the same number of protons as other atoms of the same element do but that have differen numbers of neutrons |
| Half-life | the time needed for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to undergo radioactive decay. |
| Nuclear fission | the process by which a large nucleus splits into two small nuclei and releases energy. |
| Nuclear chain reaction | a continuous series of nuclear fission reactions. |
| Nuclear fusion | the combination of the nuclei of small atoms to form a larger nucleus; releases energy. |