Nuclear Energy Vocabulary

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is an electron or positron that is emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is a photon?

Back

A photon is a packet (quantum) of energy with no mass and no electrical charge, but it has momentum.

Front

What is critical mass?

Back

Critical mass is the minimum mass of a fissionable isotope that provides the number of neutrons needed to sustain a chain reaction.

Front

What is fusion?

Back

Fusion is the process in which light nuclei combine at extremely high temperatures, forming heavier nuclei and releasing energy.

Front

What is a radioactive tracer?

Back

A radioactive tracer is a radioactive material that is added to a substance so that its distribution can be detected later.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

Back

Nuclear fission involves splitting heavy nuclei, while fusion involves combining light nuclei to form heavier nuclei.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electrical charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.

Front

What role do neutrons play in nuclear reactions?

Back

Neutrons are crucial in nuclear reactions as they can initiate fission reactions and are involved in sustaining chain reactions.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.