Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to nuclear chemistry, their definitions, and fundamental concepts from the lecture notes.

Nuclear Chemistry

The study of the structure of atomic nuclei and the changes they undergo.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Radioactivity

The process by which atoms give off rays or particles.

Mass Number (A)

The sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Atomic Number (Z)

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Radioisotopes

Isotopes of atoms with unstable nuclei.

Nuclear Fission

The splitting of a nucleus, releasing a lot of energy.

Nuclear Fusion

The combining of two or more light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Half-life

The time required for half of a radioisotope's nuclei to decay into its products.

Alpha Particle

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted from a radioactive nucleus.

Beta Particle

A fast-moving electron emitted from a radioactive nucleus.

Gamma Radiation

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radioactive nucleus.

Transmutation

The conversion of an atom of one element to an atom of a different element.

Radioactive Decay

When unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation to become more stable.

Shielding

Materials used to block or reduce the radiation emitted from radioactive substances.

Decay Series

A series of radioactive decays that occurs until a stable nuclide is reached.

Carbon-14

A radioactive isotope used for dating organic materials.

Chain Reaction

A sequence of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions.

Uranium-235

An isotope of uranium commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors.

Neutron

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge.