Nuclei that have so many protons and neutrons that they began to decay and emit particles.
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Transmutation
When the Nucleus of an Atom changes, changing the element. As well as emitting a radioactive particle
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Number on the __top__ left of a particle symbol
The mass of the particle
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Number on the __bottom__ left of a particle symbol
The number of protons in a particle.
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Penetration power
The ability for a particle to pass through matter
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Natural Transmutation
When an Unstable Nuclei decays on it’s own in nature. Usually will happen with the half-life.
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Artificial Transmutation
When we bombard an unstable Nuclei with particles to take a chunk off.
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Fusion
two lighter Nuclei combine to form one heavier nucleus with a release of energy.
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Fission
Forcing a radioactive particle to collide with a large radioactive element, causing it to split apart and release lots of stored energy
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A half-life
The time it takes for a radioisotope to lose half of its mass.
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Uses for radioisotopes with __longer__ half-lives
Dating rocks or other remains/specimens.
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Uses for radioisotopes with __shorter__ half-lives
To treat things like cancer, or detecting cancer as well as other medical applications.
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Chemical Tracer
When isotopes are used to follow the path of material (such as fertilizer) in some sort of system. Done by following the particles which fall off as it decays.