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K.L 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 (or the same atomic number) as other atoms of the same element do but that has a different number of neutrons (amd thus a different atomic mass). |
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; relaeses additional neutrons and 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. |