 | Term | Definition |
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Radioactivity |
The process whereby unstable atomic nuclei break down and emit radiation |
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Alpha Particle |
The nucleus of a helium atom which consists of 2 neutrons and 2 protons, ejected by certain radioactive elements |
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Beta Particles |
An electron (or positron) emitted during the radioactive decay of certain nuclei |
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Gamma Ray |
High-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by the nuclei of radioactive atoms |
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Nucleon |
A nuclear proton or neutron |
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Half-life |
The time required for half the atoms in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay |
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Transmutation |
The conversion of an atomic nucleus of one element into an atomic nucleus of another element through a loss or gain in the number of protons |
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Nuclear fission |
The splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235, into 2 main parts, accompanied by the release of much energy |
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Chain reaction |
a self-sustaining reaction in which the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events |
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Critical Mass |
The minimum mass of fissionable material in a reactor or nuclear bomb that will sustain a chain reaction |
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Nuclear fusion |
the combining of nuclei of light atoms to form heavier nuclei, with the release of much energy |
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thermonuclear fusion |
nuclear fusion produced by high temperature |
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Where does most of the radiation you encounter originate |
Natural background radiation that originates in the earth and in space and was present long before we humans arrived |
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What are cosmic rays and where do they originate |
They originate in teh sun and other stars and make up background radiation in space; high-energy particles or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation |
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How do the electric charges of alpha, beta, and gamma rays differ |
Alpha: positive charge; Beta: negative charge; Gamma: no charge |
