| Term | Definition |
|---|
| radioactivity | process by which an unstable nucleus emits one or more particles or energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation |
| nuclear radiation | charged particles of energy emitted by an unstable nucleus |
| alpha particle | a postively charged particle, emitted by some radioactive nuclei, that consists of two prtons and 2 neutrons |
| beta particle | an electron emitted during radioactive decay of a neutron in an unstable nucleus |
| gamma ray | high energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by a nucleus during radioactive decay |
| neutron emission | the release of a high energy neutron by some nuetron-rich nuclei during radioactive decay |
| half life | the time required for half a sample of radioactive nulceir to decay |
| strong nuclear force | the interaction that binds protons and neutrons together in a nucleus |
| fission | the process by which a nucleus splits into two or more smaller fragments, releasig neutorns and energy |
| nuclear chain reaction | a series of fission processes in which the neutronns emitted by a dividing nucleus cause the divison of other nuclei |
| critical mass | the minimum mass of a fissionable isoopt in which a nuclear chain reaction can occur |
| fusion | the process in which light nuclei combing at exptremely high temperatures forming heavier nuclei and releasing energy |
| background radiation | nuclear radiation that arises naturally from cosmic rays and from radioactive isotopes in the soil and air |
| radioactive tracer | a radioactive material added to a substance so that substance's location can be tetected later |
Combine with other sets
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace