Chapter 9 Nuclear Changes

Question 1

Process where an unstable nucleus emits one or more particles or energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation

Answer 1

Radioactivity

Question 2

Breakdown of an atomic nucleus and the nucleus releases energy and matter.

Answer 2

Nuclear decay

Question 3

Positively charged atom that is released in the disintegration of radioactive elements and consults of two neutrons and protons

Answer 3

Alpha particle

Question 4

Charged election that is released during certain types of radioactive decay

Answer 4

Beta particle

Question 5

Consists of matter that is released from an unstable nucleus

Answer 5

Neutron emission

Question 6

The high energy photon released by a nucleus during fission or radioactive decay

Answer 6

Gamma ray

Question 7

Time required for half of a sample of a radioactive substance disintegrate by radioactive decay or by natural processes

Answer 7

Half life

Question 8

Process where a nucleus splits into two or more fragments and release energy and neutrons

Answer 8

Fission

Question 9

Series of nuclear reactions that continues

Answer 9

Nuclear chain reaction

Question 10

Minimum mass of a fissionable isotope that provides the number of neutrons needed to sustain a chain reaction

Answer 10

Critical mass

Question 11

Process where light nuclei come together at really high temperatures, forming heavier nuclei and releasing energy

Answer 11

Fusion

Question 12

Causes protons and neutrons in the nucleus to attract each other.

Answer 12

Strong nuclear force

Question 13

Nuclear radiation that humans naturally experience throughout life.

Answer 13

Background radiation

Question 14

Quantity of ionizing radiation that does as much damage as to human tissue as 1 roentgen of high-voltage X rays does

Answer 14

Rem

Question 15

Radioactive material added to a substance so its distribution can be figured out later

Answer 15

Radioactive tracer