Nuclear Energy Vocabulary

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

A positively charged particle that consists of two protons and two neutrons, emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is a radioactive tracer?

Back

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

Front

What is nuclear radiation?

Back

The particles that are released from the nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is fission?

Back

The process by which a nucleus splits into two or more fragments, releasing neutrons and energy.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

The time required for half of a sample of a radioactive isotope to break down by radioactive decay to form a daughter isotope.

Front

What are the main types of nuclear radiation?

Back

Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A negatively charged particle (electron) or a positively charged particle (positron) emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a nucleus into smaller parts, while fusion is the combining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

An isotope of an element that is unstable and can undergo radioactive decay.