Nuclear Physics Definitions

Question 1

Radioactive materials

Answer 1

materials which emit nuclear radiation

Question 2

Radioactive decay

Answer 2

a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of α-particles or β-particles and/or γ-radiation

Question 3

Background radiation

Answer 3

the background radiation that is always present in the environment

Question 4

Half-life

Answer 4

the time taken for half the nuclei of an isotope to decay

Question 5

Isotope

Answer 5

different atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons

Question 6

Proton number(atomic number)

Answer 6

the number of protons in an atom

Question 7

Nucleon number(mass number)

Answer 7

The total number of neutrons and protons in an atom

Question 8

Nuclear fusion

Answer 8

the process by which two light nuclei combine together(releasing vast amounts of energy in the process)

Question 9

Nuclear fission

Answer 9

The process by which an unstable, heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei