Nuclear Physics Concepts

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to nuclear physics, including atomic structure, types of decay, forces involved in nuclear reactions, and the implications of nuclear energy.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

Nucleus

The dense central core of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Proton

A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom, contributing to its mass.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, determining the element's identity.

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Isotope

Variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Alpha Decay

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons.

Beta Decay

A type of radioactive decay where a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting an electron.

Gamma Decay

A type of radioactive decay involving the emission of gamma rays, leading to loss of energy without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Strong Nuclear Force

The fundamental force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom.

Weak Nuclear Force

The fundamental force responsible for processes like beta decay, affecting particles at the subatomic level.

Chain Reaction

A self-sustaining sequence of reactions in which the products of one reaction cause additional reactions.

Nuclear Fission

The process in which a large atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.

Nuclear Fusion

The process of merging two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy; occurs in stars.

Radioactive Decay

The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a more stable one.

Half-Life

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

Control Rods

Materials used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons, regulating the fission chain reaction.

Coolant

A substance used to remove heat from a nuclear reactor core to prevent overheating.

Nuclear Waste

Radioactive materials leftover after the use of nuclear fuel in reactors, requiring careful management.

Geiger Counter

An instrument used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation.

Probability Clouds

Regions around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found, as opposed to fixed orbits.