Nuclear Chemistry Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to Nuclear Chemistry.

Alpha Decay

A nuclear decay process that emits an alpha particle, reducing the atomic number by 2.

Beta Particle (β)

A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay.

Positron

The antiparticle of the electron, with the same mass but a positive charge.

Proton (p)

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

Neutron (n)

A neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with different mass numbers due to varying numbers of neutrons.

Half-life

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

Induced Radioactivity

Radioactivity that results from the bombardment of stable nuclei with energetic particles.

Transmutation

The conversion of one chemical element or isotope into another by nuclear reaction.

Nuclear Bombardment

A process where particles like neutrons and protons are used to induce nuclear reactions in elements.

Fission

A nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts.

Fusion

A reaction in which two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.

Radiation

The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.

Radon

A colorless, odorless gas that is a product of radioactive decay, used as an example of alpha decay.

Phosphorus-32 (P-32)

A radioactive isotope of phosphorus used in medical applications.

Nuclear Decay

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.

Stable Nucleus

An atomic nucleus that does not undergo radioactive decay.

Artificial Isotope

An isotope that is not found in nature and is produced by artificial means.

Radiocarbon Dating

A method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by measuring the amount of carbon-14 it contains.

Radiotherapy

A cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells.