Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of nuclear chemistry, including forces, types of decay, radiation, and nuclear reactions as described in the lecture notes.

Strong force

A force causing protons and neutrons to be attracted to each other, which is only powerful when they are closely packed together.

Radioactivity

Nuclear decay which happens when the strong force is not large enough to hold the nucleus together; the nucleus gives off matter and energy.

Proton-neutron ratio (smaller elements)

The ratio of protons to neutrons in smaller elements, which is approximately 1 to 1.

Proton-neutron ratio (heavier elements)

The ratio of protons to neutrons in heavier elements, which is approximately 2 to 3.

Nuclear radiation

Particles and energy that are released from a decaying nucleus.

Alpha particle

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons with an electric charge of $+2$, being the least penetrating form of nuclear radiation.

Weak force

The fourth fundamental force that is the cause for beta decay.

Beta particles

Radiation produced when a neutron decays into a proton and releases an electron at high speed; it is more penetrating than alpha particles.

Gamma rays

Penetrating electromagnetic waves that carry energy but have no mass or charge, requiring several inches or feet of metal to stop.

Transmutation

The process of one element's changing to another through nuclear decay.

Alpha decay (calculation)

The process of finding a new element by subtracting 2 protons and 4 from the mass number, moving two spots back on the periodic table.

Beta decay (calculation)

The process of finding a new element by changing one neutron into a proton and electron; the mass number stays the same while adding one proton.

Nuclear fission

The process of splitting a nucleus into several smaller nuclei, resulting in the production of energy.

Chain reaction

An ongoing series of fission reactions.

Critical mass

The amount of fissionable material required to continue a reaction at a constant rate.

Nuclear fusion

The process where two nuclei with low masses are combined to form one nucleus of larger mass, typically requiring high temperatures like those in stars.

Mass-Energy Equation

$E = mc^2$, representing that energy (joules) equals mass (kg) multiplied by the speed of light in a vacuum squared in $(m/s)^2$.