Physical Science Module 16 Flashcards
1
Q
Nuclear fusion
A
The process by which two or more small nuclei fuse to make a bigger nucleus.
2
Q
Nuclear fission
A
The process by which a large nucleus is split into smaller nuclei.
3
Q
Critical mass
A
The amount of of isotope necessary to sustain a chain reaction.
4
Q
Absolute magnitude
A
The brightness of a star, corrected for distance, on a scale of -8 to +19. The smaller the number, the brighter the star.
5
Q
Apparent magnitude
A
The brightness of a star as seen in the night sky. The smaller the number, the brighter the star.
6
Q
Light year
A
The distance light could travel along a straight line in one year.
7
Q
Galaxy
A
A large ensemble of stars, all interacting through the gravitational force and orbiting around a common center.
