Chemistry - Ch 21 Flashcards
Nuclide
Nucleus with a specified number of protons & neutrons
Nucleons
Subatomic particles of the nucleus (protons & neutrons)
Radionuclides
Nuclei that are radioactive
Radioisotopes
Atoms containing radioactive nuclei
Alpha Particles
Helium-4 particles
Beta particles
High-speed electrons emitted by an unstable nucleus
Gamma radiation
High-energy photons (electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength)
Positron
Particle that has the same mass as an electron but an opposite charge
Electron capture
Capture by the nucleus of an electron from the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus
Radioactive series (nuclear disintegration series)
Series of nuclear reactions that begins with an unstable nucleus and terminates with a stable one
Magic numbers
Numbers of protons and neutrons that result in very stable nuclei
Nuclear transmutations
Nuclear reactions induced by a nucleus changing its identity if it is struck by a neutron or other nucleus
Particle accelerators
Method devised to accelerate charged particles using strong magnetic and electrostatic fields
Transuranium elements
Elements with atomic number above 92 produced with artificial transmutations
Half-life
Time required for half of any given quantity of a substance to react