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Chapter 10: Nuclear Chemistry
N/A
17
Science
10th Grade
05/13/2010

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Term
Radioactivity
Definition
The process in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits charged particles and energy.
Term
Radioisotope (Radioactive Isotope)
Definition
Any atom containing an unstable nucleus.
Term
Nuclear Radiation
Definition
Charged particles and energy that are emitted from the nuclei of radioisotopes.
Term
Alpha Particle
Definition
A positively charged particle made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (the same as a helium nucleus).
Term
Beta Particle
Definition
An electron emitted by an unstable nucleus.
Term
Gamma Ray
Definition
A penetrating ray of energy emitted by an unstable nucleus.
Term
Background Radiation
Definition
Nuclear radiation that occurs naturally in the environment.
Term
Half-life
Definition
The time required for 1/2 of a sample of a radioisotope to decay.
Term
Transmutation
Definition
The conversion of atoms of one element to atoms of another element. It involves a nuclear change, not a chemical change.
Term
Transuranium Elements
Definition
Elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (Uranium).
Term
Quark
Definition
A subatomic particle theorized to be among the most basic units of matter.
Term
Strong Nuclear Force
Definition
The attractive force that binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
Term
Fission
Definition
The splitting of an atomic nucleus into 2 smaller parts.
Term
Chain Reaction
Definition
A series of nuclear fissions triggered by the the release of neutrons during the splitting of an intitial nucleus.
Term
Critical Mass
Definition
The smallest possible mass of a fissionable material that can sustain a chain reation.
Term
Fusion
Definition
A process in which the nuclei of 2 atoms combine to form a larger nucleus.
Term
Plasma
Definition
A state of matter in which atoms have been stripped of their electrons.
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