Nuclear Fission & Radioactivity Flashcards
Nuclear Fission
The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller ones with the release of energy
Chain Reaction
Any reaction in which one of the products becomes a reactant, which then leads to a continuation of rapid branching
Critical Mass
The amount of fissionable fuel that is required to sustain a chain reaction
What is the equation that determines how much energy has been released?
E=mc^2
Nuclear Reactor
A device in which nuclear chain reactions are initiated, controlled and sustained at a steady rate
What is the rate of energy production called?
Power
Radioactivity
The spontaneous emission of radiation by certain elements
Gamma rays are part of the _____ spectrum that has more energy than x-rays
Electromagnetic
T/F: Alpha and Beta nuclear radiation are considered to be particles
True
T/F: Gamma rays are considered to be particles
False; Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation which differs from what particles are composed of
What is ionizing radiation?
X-rays and nuclear radiation that can remove electrons from atoms/molecules with which they collide
Ionizing radiation generates _____ ______, which are highly reactive with other molecules including DNA
Free radicals
Background radiation
The level of radiation present at a given location
What is Annual Dose?
A measure of the damage that occurs to human tissue when the dose is absorbed
