Nuclear Chemistry Key Terms

Flashcards for key vocabulary related to nuclear chemistry.

Nuclear Chemistry

Chemistry relating to the nucleus of the atom

Fusion

Union of 2 atomic nuclei to form one heavier nucleus, resulting in the release of energy (example 14₇N + ⁴₂He → ¹⁸₉F)

Fission

Splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of energy (example ²²²₈₆Rn → ²¹⁸₈₄Po + ⁴₂He)

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with different weights due to the difference in the number of neutrons (example C-12 and C-14)

Radiation

Emission of energy as electromagnetic radiation or as moving subatomic particles

Electromagnetic radiation

The movement of wave energy through space or a medium, made up of photons

Photon

A quantum of light or electromagnetic radiation, the energy is determined by the frequency and has zero mass

Radioactivity

Process by which an atomic nucleus gives off radiation

Radioactive decay

The spontaneous decomposition of an unstable nucleus to form a different or more stable nucleus, resulting in the emission of subatomic particles

Radioactive isotope

An isotope that is radioactive

Transmutation

Conversion of an atom of one element to an atom of another element

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation with enough energy to knock electrons off atoms to produce ions

Half Life

The time required for half of a radioactive substance to decay

Atomic Number

Number of protons in an atom's nucleus

Mass Number

Number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus

Transuranium elements

Elements with atomic number greater than 92, do not occur in nature and are all radioactive