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Definition
*an electron ejected from the nucleus when a neutron decays to a proton
*increases atomic number by one
*high velocity
*low energy |
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Definition
*a helium nucleus
*charge = 2+
*high energy
*low velocity
*ejection reduces atomic number by 2 amu and atomic weight by 4 amu |
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Definition
*usually emitted with beta radiation
*has neither charge nor mass
*high energy
*part of the electromagnetic spectrum; travels at the speed of light |
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Term
| Compare a chemical reaction to a radioactive reaction |
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Definition
In a chemical reaction the elements' bonds are broken and new molecules are formed.
In a radioactive reaction, new elements are formed; nuclei are changed. |
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Definition
| The net energy required to decompose a molecule, atom, or nucleus into its constituent particles. |
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| Write the nuclear equation: U238 loses an alpha particle |
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Definition
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| Write the nuclear equation: Th234 ejects a beta particle |
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Definition
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Definition
| A reaction produced during nuclear fission when at least one neutron from each fission produces another fission. The reaction is self-sustaining. This process takes place when a bomb is detonated. |
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Definition
| The time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay. Can range from a fraction of a second to years. "Carbon dating" is commonly used to determine the age of fossils by measuring the proportion of the radioactive isotope C-14 in a sample. |
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Definition
| The conversion oa an element to a new element due to a change in number of protons. e.g. alpha or beta decay |
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Definition
| The breakdown of heavy nuclei into lighter nuclei. Source of "nuclear power." |
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Definition
| The joining of lighter nuclei to form heavier nuclei. Source of the sun's energy. |
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