Nuclear Physics Flashcards
What is a nucleus
The central part of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons.
What is nuclear fusion?
The process of combining two smaller atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
What is nuclear fission?
The process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.
What is a neutron moderator?
A substance used to slow down fast neutrons to increase the likelihood of their interaction with other nuclei in a nuclear reactor.
What is a radioactive decay?
The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a different nucleus, often accompanied by the emission of radiation.
What are alpha particles?
Helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during certain types of radioactive decay.
What are beta particles?
High-energy electrons (beta-minus decay) or positrons (beta-plus decay) emitted during radioactive decay.
What is gamma radiation?
Electromagnetic radiation emitted during certain types of radioactive decay, typically with the highest energy and shortest wavelength.
What is a half-life?
The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into stable daughter atoms.
What is nuclear binding energy?
The energy required to keep the nucleus of an atom together, often released during nuclear reactions.
What is a chain reaction?
A self-sustaining series of nuclear reactions in which the products of one reaction initiate further reactions.
What is nuclear radiation?
Particles or electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an unstable atom during radioactive decay.
What is a critical mass?
The minimum amount of fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction.
What is nuclear shielding?
The use of material (such as lead or concrete) to absorb or deflect nuclear radiation, protecting people and the environment.
What is a Geiger counter?
A device used to detect and measure ionizing radiation by counting the number of radiation particles it detects.
