Chapter 9 Nuclear Changes Flashcards
Radioactivity
The process where an unstable nucleus emits one or more particles or energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation
Nuclear Decay
The nuclear process of radioactivity. After the changes in the nucleus, the element can transform into a different isotope of the same element or entirely different element
Nuclear Radiation
Particles that are released from the nucleus during radioactive decay
Alpha Particle
A positively charged atom that is released in the disintegration of radioactive elements and that consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
Beta Particle
A charged electron emitted during certain types of radioactive decay, such as beta decay
Neutron Emission
Consists of matter that is emitted from an unstable nucleus
Gamma Ray
The high-energy proton emitted by a nucleus during fission and radioactive decay
Half-life
The time required for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to disintegrate by radioactive decay or by natural processes
Fission
The process by which a nucleus splits into 2 or more fragments and releases neutrons and energy
Nuclear Chain Reactopk
A continuous series of nuclear fission reactions
Critical mass
The minimum mass of a fissionable isotope that provides the number of neutrons needed to sustain a chain reaction
Fusion
The process where light nuclei combine at extremely high temperatures, forming heavier nuclei and releasing energy
Strong Nuclear Force
An electromagnetic force between protons and neutrons; its responsible for binding protons and neutrons into atomic nuclei
Background Radiation
The nuclear radiation that arises naturally from cosmic rays and from radioactive isotopes in the soil and air
Rem
The quantity of ionizing radiation that does as much damage to human tissue as 1 roentgen of high-voltage X rays does
