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Alpha Radiation
Particles consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons - identical to a helium nucleus.
Beta Radiation
Energetic electrons emitted from the unstable nucleus of an atom.
Gamma Radiation
High energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus.
Exponential Decay
The rate of decay is directly proportional to the number remaining.
Radioactive Decay
The random, spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus (an example of exponential decay).
Law of Radioactive Decay
The rate of decay of a nuclide is directly proportional to the number of unstable nuclei present.
Decay Constant
The fraction of the nuclei decaying per second.
Activity
Number of radioactive disintegrations per unit time.
Half Life
The time taken for the activity of the material (or number of nuclei remaining) to fall to half its original value.
Electron Volt
The kinetic energy possessed by an electron accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 1 V.
Unified Atomic Mass Unit
1/12 of the mass of the carbon-12 atom (= 1.66 x 10-27 kg). On data sheet.
Mass Defect
The difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its constituent nucleons.
Binding Energy
The amount of energy that must b e supplied to separate the nucleons completely i.e. to an infinite distance apart.
Nuclear Fission
The deep division of a massive nucleus into two less massive nuclei, each with a higher binding energy per nucleon.
Nuclear Fusion
The joining of lighter nuclei to produce a heavier and more stable nucleus.
Chain Reaction
When fission neutrons go on to cause a series of further fission reactions.
Critical Size
The minimum amount of fuel which is capable of sustaining a chain reaction.
Moderators
Slow down fission neutrons - usually graphite, water or heavy water.
Control Rods
Boron-coated steel rods which are lowered to absorb excessive neutrons.
Reactor Shielding
Very thick concrete shield to absorb excess radiation.
D-T Reaction
Deuterium + Tritium → Helium + neutron + energy
Fuels: Deuterium from water, tritium from lithium
150 x 106 °C temp achieved through ohmic (electrical) heating, neutral beam injection and high frequency e/m radiation.
Plasma
Gas-like fluid consisting of electrons, positive ions and free nuclei.
Gravitational Confinement
Using a gravitational force to contain the plasma (requires sufficient mass e.g. works in stars but not on Earth).
Inertial Confinement
Using intense ion or laser beams directed at a fuel pellet (e.g. lithium hydride).
Magnetic Confinement
Using a toroidal magnetic field (magnetic bottle) to confine plasma.