Unit 1: Nuclear Energy

Neutrons

Subatomic particles with no electric charge, found in the nucleus.

Electrons

Negatively charged subatomic particles orbiting the atomic nucleus.

Protons

Positively charged subatomic particles located in the nucleus.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.

Atomic Mass

The total mass of an atom's protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Nuclear Energy

Energy released during nuclear reactions like fission or fusion.

Stability in Atoms

A balanced proton-to-neutron ratio preventing radioactive decay.

Nuclear Chain Reaction

A self-sustaining sequence of nuclear fissions.

Fission

The splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into lighter nuclei.

Mass

The amount of matter contained in an object.

Density

The mass of a substance per unit volume.

Volume

The amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object.

Isotope

Variants of an element with different numbers of neutrons.