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Modern Physics
Modern Physics NLN exam
11
Other
Not Applicable
10/04/2006

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Term
Mass defect
Definition
The mass of a nucleus is heavier than all the protons and neutrons that make it up.
Term
Radioactivity
Definition
Spontaneous disintegration of the atomic nucleus of some chemical elements with the emission of energetic and charged particles (alpha, beta and gamma rays
Term
Radioactive Decay
Definition
The spontaneous change in the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Transmutation
Definition
the conversion of one element to another
Term
Nuclear Reaction
Definition
When a radioactive nucleus goes through a transmutation.
Term
Fusion
Definition
is the process in which the nuclei of several light atoms combine to form a single heavy nucleus with a release of energy.
Term
Fission
Definition
is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two pieces with the release of a huge amount of energy.
Term
Quantum mechanics
Definition
The physical theory of the composition and behavior of atoms and subatomic particles; explains the duality of light as wave and particle, the existence of chemical bonds, and radioactivity.
Term
Photoelectric effect
Definition
this occurs when a photon strikes a metal surface causing an electron to be ejected.
Term
Ionization
Definition
means that an atom looses an electron (or several) and becomes an ion.
Term
Theory of Relativity
Definition
Devised in 1905, the theory that space and time are relative concepts rather than absolute concepts
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