Nuclear Chemistry and Energy Production

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to nuclear chemistry and energy production, including isotopes, fission and fusion processes, and relevant equations.

Half-life

The time required for half of the radioactive isotopes in a sample to decay.

Nuclear fission

The process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller fragments, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Critical mass

The minimum amount of nuclear material required to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.

Fusion

The process of combining two smaller atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy.

E=mc²

Einstein's equation that expresses the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) with c representing the speed of light.

Breeder reactor

A type of nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it consumes.

Plasma

An ionized gas composed of free electrons and ions, typically found in high-energy environments like stars.

U-235

A fissile isotope of uranium used as fuel in nuclear reactors.

Decay chain

A series of radioactive decay processes that a radioactive isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable form.