Nuclear Energy Vocabulary

Front

What is the disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus into one or more different nuclides called?

Back

Radioactive decay.

Front

What is the process by which a nucleus splits into two or more fragments and releases neutrons and energy?

Back

Fission.

Front

What is an electron or positron that is emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay?

Back

Beta particle.

Front

What is the nuclear radiation that arises naturally from cosmic rays and from radioactive isotopes in the soil and air?

Back

Background radiation.

Front

What are the particles that are released from the nucleus during radioactive decay?

Back

Nuclear radiation.

Front

What is the term for the energy released during nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear energy.

Front

What type of radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves emitted from a nucleus?

Back

Gamma radiation.

Front

What is the term for the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction?

Back

Critical mass.

Front

What is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus called?

Back

Nuclear fusion.

Front

What is the term for the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay?

Back

Half-life.