Unit 10 Nuclear Chemistry Terms

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to nuclear chemistry and its key terms.

Alpha particle

A helium nucleus; contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons; has a mass of 4 amu and a charge of +2.

Artificial transmutation

Occurs in stable atoms; needs high energy particles to begin the reaction and bombard nucleus.

Beta particle

An electron; has a mass of 0 and a charge of -1.

Fission

The splitting of the nucleus of an atom; larger particle(s) split into smaller particles.

Fusion

Lighter nuclei are combined to produce a heavier nucleus or nuclei.

Gamma radiation

Electromagnetic radiation similar to x-rays; has 0 amu, very dangerous (highly penetrating).

Half-life

The amount of time required for a quantity to fall to half its value as measured at the beginning of the time period.

Radioactive tracer

A chemical compound in which one or more atoms have been replaced by a radioisotope.

Radioisotope

An unstable or radioactive isotope of any element.

Transmutation

The changing of a nucleus of one element into the nucleus of another element.