Chemistry Radiation Unit 4 VOCAB

Nuclear Force

hold the nucleus together usually stronger than electric forces that would make it break apart

Radiation

energy that moves through space in the form of waves and particles

Ionize definition

refers to radiation that has enough energy to break an electron away from an atom

Non-ionizing radiation

(low energy)radio and television waves, microwaves, light, ultraviolet light

Ionizing radiation

(High energy) can knock electrons out of atoms and molecules creating electrically charges particles called ions (alpha, beta. gamma & x-rays)

Alpha Particles

nuclei of helium atoms containing two neutrons and two protons, can be stopped by a sheet of paper or deflected by a magnet

Beta Particles

e- that can be deflected by a magnet, move very close to the speed of light, have greater penetrating power than alpha particles but don’t readily ionize air, and they can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum

Gamma Radiation

similar to x-rays BUT has a greater penetrating power, ionizes atoms they strike, can be stopped by several centimeters of lead and cannot be deflected by magnets 

Geiger Counter

can sense extremely tiny electrical impulses caused by ionizing radiation 

Mutagen

causes of mutations occurs when nitrogen bases on the DNA absorb the light energy in UV light

Fusion Nuclear reaction

release more energy—rotium, deuterium, and tritium (3 isotopes of hydrogen) are forced together in a series of reactions under extreme heat to form a new element, helium

occurs in a hydrogen bomb but it needs too much heat that is not able to be sustained for long

Fission Nuclear reaction

heavy atoms split : breaking of a large nucleus into 2 smaller ones

Neutron

exists in the nucleus of the atom and makes up an atom's atomic mass with protons. (has no charge)