Nuclear Chemistry Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts in Nuclear Chemistry, including atomic structure, nuclear reactions, and types of radiation.

Nucleus

The dense, small center of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Proton

A positively charged particle in the nucleus of an atom, with a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

Neutron

A neutral particle in the nucleus of an atom, with a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which identifies the element.

Mass Number

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

Nucleons

Particles in the nucleus of an atom, including protons and neutrons.

Chemical Change

A process that involves changes only in the valence electrons of an atom without altering the nucleus or identity of the atom.

Nuclear Change

A process involving changes in the nucleus of an atom, which can change the identity of the element.

Electrostatic Repulsion

The force that causes protons in the nucleus to repel one another due to their like charges.

Nuclear Strong Force

An attractive force that holds nucleons together, counteracting electrostatic repulsion.

Alpha Particle

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during alpha decay.

Beta Particle

A high-energy electron emitted during beta decay when a neutron converts to a proton.

Gamma Rays

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from nuclear reactions, with no mass or charge.

Penetrating Power

The ability of radiation to penetrate materials; alpha particles are least penetrating, followed by beta particles, then gamma rays.

Half-Life

The time required for half of a radioactive sample to undergo decay.

Radioactivity

The emission of particles or radiation from unstable nuclei as they decay to become more stable.

Nuclear Fission

A nuclear reaction where a large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

Nuclear Fusion

A nuclear reaction in which small nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy.

Positron Emission

A type of beta decay in which a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positively charged electron.

Radioisotopic Dating

A method used to determine the age of objects by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.