Nuclear Physics and Radiation

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Alpha particle / radiation

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A group of two protons and two neutrons; emitted from an unstable nucleus; least penetrating type of radiation.

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Beta particle / radiation

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A high energy particle; identical to an electron; negatively or positively charged; emitted from an unstable nucleus; can be stopped by thin sheets of metal or plastic.

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Fission

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The splitting of a radioactive (unstable) nucleus of an atom into smaller, more stable atoms.

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Fusion

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Two or more atomic nuclei combining to form a new nucleus.

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Gamma radiation

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High energy electromagnetic radiation; emitted from an unstable nucleus; most penetrating type of radiation.

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Radioactive

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A sample of something that contains an isotope; unstable; emits at least one type of radiation as it decays into a more stable isotope.

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Half-life

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The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a more stable form.

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Chain Reaction

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Self-sustaining process where a nuclear reaction a series of additional nuclear reactions

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isotope

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each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei

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Nuclear Power

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Electric or motive power generated by nuclear reactor