Nuclear Chemistry Vocab

Front

Spontaneous emission of radiation (particles or high energy photons) from a nuclear reaction.

Back

radioactivity

Front

Type of radiation from nucleus transition emitting a photon (gamma ray)

Back

gamma radiation

Front

Combining nuclei to form a larger nucleus, absorbing or releasing energy.

Back

nuclear fusion reaction

Front

Nuclear fission where a neutron decays into a proton, emitting a beta particle, resulting in an atom with an atomic number increased by one.

Back

beta radiation

Front

Splitting an atom's nucleus, releasing energy.

Back

nuclear fission reaction

Front

Isotope with unstable nucleus that decays to stability

Back

radioactive isotope

Front

Instrument for detecting ionizing radiation

Back

Geiger Counter

Front

Chemical symbol, mass number, and atomic number of an isotope

Back

nuclear notation

Front

Time to convert half of a reactant to product; related to radioactive decay.

Back

half-life

Front

Type of radiation from nuclear fission producing an alpha particle (2 protons, 2 neutrons) and a new element with atomic number reduced by 2.

Back

alpha radiation