Science Nuclear Chemistry chp 10
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19 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 radioactivity | -process in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits charged particles and energy |
| radioisotope | any atom containing an unstable nucleus (radioactive isotope) |
| nuclear radiation | charged particles and energy that are emitted from the nuclei of radioisotopes |
| alpha particle | -pos. charged particle released in alpha decay= 2 protons and 2 neutrons (helium nucleus) -least harmful nuclear reaction -looses 2 protons and 2 neutrons (LOOSE 4 MASS) -LOOSE 2 CHARGE |
| beta particle | -neg. charged particles released in beta decay -atomic number: -1 (an electron) RAISE ATOMIC NUMBER UP 1 -mass: 0 Beta Decay: neutron decomposes in proton and electron but only electron is released -ionizes |
| gamma ray | -released energy (energy waves traveling at speed of light) -decreases energy of nucleus -accompanies other decays -no mass and no charge |
| background radiation | -nuclear radiation that occurs naturally in the environment -always happening |
| nuclear decay | atoms of one element can change from into atoms of a different element (when comp. changes) |
| dangerous radiation | -nuclear radiation can ionize atoms and damage cells and tissues (bonds holding proteins and DNA together break) -Alpha, beta, and gamma are all forms of ionizing radiation |
| half-life | -the time required for one half of a sample of a radioisotope to decay -decay rates are constant -age of object determined by comparing objects carbon 14 level with carbon 14 in atmosphere |
| transmutation | -the conversion of atoms of one element to atoms of another |
| transuranium elements | -elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (uranium) -radioactive -usually not found in nature |
| quark | -sub-atomic particle theorized to be among basic units of mater -6 types exist |
| strong nuclear force | -attractive force that binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus -does not depend on charge -weakens as protons and neutrons get farther apart -more protons and neutrons=more possibilities for strong nuclear force |
| fission | splitting of an atomic nucleus into 2 smaller parts -a lot of energy can be produced from very small amounts of mass and vice versa |
| chain reaction | neutrons (released during the splitting of an initial nucleus ) trigger a series of nuclear fissions -heat from fission generates electrical energy and radioactive waste |
| critical mass | smallest possible mass of a fissionable material that can sustain a chemical reaction |
| fusion | -process in which nuclei of 2 atoms combine to form a larger nucleus -small fraction of reactant mass is converted into energy -requires extremely high temps |
| plasma | -cause by fusion -state of matter where atoms have been stripped of electrons (gas containing nuclei and electrons) |
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