Definitions
1) Nuclear Chemistry: deals with the changes in the nucleus of the atom
2) Transmutation: the conversion of one element to another by means of a nuclear change.
3) Natural Radioactivity: the spontaneous breakdown of atomic nuclei, accompanied by the release of some form of radiation.
4) Induced radioactivity: artificial radioactivity produced by bombarding the nuclei of stable atoms with high energy particles, thereby producing radioactive atoms.
5) Radioisotopes: an isotope of an element that emits radiation.
*All elements that have an atomic number than 83 have no stable isotopes!
6) Alpha particles: the nucleus of helium
7) Beta particles: an electron
8) Gamma rays: high frequency electromagnetic waves similar to x-rays, but of greater frequency
9) Positron: a positive subatomic particle with the same mass at the electron. Its charge is equal in quantity but opposite in sign to that of the electron.
10)Nuclear reaction: reaction involving a change in the nuclear contents of one or more atoms. In nuclear reactions, mass is converted to energy.
11)Nuclear fission: the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei that are approximately equal in mass.
12)Fission reactors: a nuclear reactor used to control fission reactions.
13)Fusion reaction: a nuclear reaction in which two or more light nuclei combine to form a single nucleus.
14)Moderators: the substance used in a nuclear reactor to slow down the velocity of the neutrons.
15)Half-life: the time it takes for one half of the atoms in a given sample to decay.
16)Radioactive dating: the use of half-lives of radioisotopes in determining the age of the earth, ancient relics, and similar objects.
17) Tracer: Any radioisotope used to follow the path of a material in a system.
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