Nuclear Chemistry

Science

A particle made of two protons and two neutrons, it is emitted from a radioactive nucleus

Alpha particle

A particle made of two protons and two neutrons, it is emitted from a radioactive nucleus. Alpha particle. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus that is often released during radioactive decay, carrying high energy and causing ionization.

The location of stable nuclei on a neutron, versus proton graph

Band of stability

The location of stable nuclei on a neutron, versus proton graph band of stability. The band of stability is the region on a graph where the ratios of neutrons to protons result in stable atomic nuclei.

A high-energy electron emitted by a radioactive nucleus

Beta particle

A high-energy electron emitted by a radioactive nucleus. Beta particle. A beta particle is a fast-moving electron released from certain types of radioactive atoms.

A nuclear reactor that produces more fuels than it uses

Breeder reactor

A nuclear reactor that produces more fuel than it uses breeder reactor. A breeder reactor generates more fissile material than it consumes, making it a sustainable energy source.

A fission reaction which creates products that continue the same reaction repeatedly

Chain reaction

A fission reaction which creates products that continue the same reaction repeatedly. Chain reaction. A chain reaction is a process where a reactive product causes additional reactions to occur continuously.

A type of decay in which the nucleus of an atom draws in an inner electron

Electron capture

A type of decay in which the nucleus of an atom draws in an inner electron. Electron capture. Electron capture is when an atom's nucleus absorbs one of its own electrons, turning a proton into a neutron and releasing a neutrino.

Electromagnetic wave of the shortest wavelength and highest frequency

Gamma ray

Electromagnetic wave of the shortest wavelength and highest frequency. Gamma ray. Gamma rays are extremely high-energy radiation emitted by radioactive atoms and nuclear reactions.

The time it takes for half the atoms of a radioactive isotope to decay

Half-life

The time it takes for half the atoms of a radioactive isotope to decay. Half-life. It's the time needed for half of a radioactive substance to break down into a more stable form.

Radiation with enough energy to ionize matter it collides with

Ionizing radiation

Radiation with enough energy to ionize matter it collides with. Ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is high-energy radiation that can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating charged particles.

The difference in mass between an atom and the sum of the masses of the protons, neutrons, and electrons

Mass defect

The difference in mass between an atom and the sum of the masses of the protons, neutrons, and electrons mass defect. Mass defect is the small amount of mass lost and converted into energy when atomic nuclei are formed.

The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei and neutrons, this releases energy

Nuclear fission

The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei and neutrons, this releases energy. Nuclear fission. It is a process where an atom's nucleus is divided, releasing a large amount of energy.

An attractive force that acts between nuclear particles that are close together, such as protons and neutrons in a nucleus

Nuclear force

An attractive force that acts between nuclear particles that are close together, such as protons and neutrons in a nucleus. Nuclear force. It is the strong force that holds the nucleus of an atom together, keeping protons and neutrons bonded.

The combining of two nuclei to form a single nucleus, this releases energy

Nuclear fusion

The combining of two nuclei to form a single nucleus, this releases energy. Nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion is a process where two lighter atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

A reaction that changes the composition of an atom’s nucleus

Nuclear reaction

A reaction that changes the composition of an atoms nucleus. Nuclear reaction. It's a process where the core of an atom is altered, often releasing energy.

A nucleon is either a proton or a neutron as a component of an atomic nucleus

Nucleon

A nucleon is either a proton or a neutron as a component of an atomic nucleus. Nucleons are particles that make up the core of an atom.

A state of matter consisting of electrons & positively-charged ions

Plasma matter

A state of matter consisting of electrons amp positively-charged ions. Plasma matter. It is like a supercharged gas found in things like the sun and lightning, where electrons are free to move around.

The breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus, this releases particles and energy

Radioactive decay

The breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus, this releases particles and energy. Radioactive decay. It is the process where an unstable atom loses energy by emitting particles.

The ability of an unstable nucleus to emit radiation

Radioactivity

The ability of an unstable nucleus to emit radiation. Radioactivity. Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atoms release energy in the form of particles or waves to become more stable.

A chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form

Radioisotope

A chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form. Radioisotope. A radioisotope is a type of atom that changes over time by giving off energy, helping scientists study and use radiation in various fields.

A radioactive nuclide introduced into an organism for diagnostic purposes, whose pathway can be traced

Radiotracer

A radioactive nuclide introduced into an organism for diagnostic purposes, whose pathway can be traced. Radiotracer. A radiotracer is a substance that helps doctors see how organs and tissues are functioning by tracing its movement inside the body using special imaging techniques.

A radiation detector that is triggered by a flash of light (or scintillation)

Scintillation counter

A radiation detector that is triggered by a flash of light or scintillation. Scintillation counter. It is a device used to detect and measure radiation by capturing flashes of light produced when radiation interacts with certain materials.

A force that acts on subatomic particles that are extremely close together

Strong nuclear force

A force that acts on subatomic particles that are extremely close together. Strong nuclear force. The strong nuclear force is what holds the nucleus of an atom together by binding protons and neutrons tightly.