Nuclear Physics Concepts

Isotope

• A variation of an element that possesses the same atomic number but a different mass number.

• An element that has a different atomic number and mass number.

• A type of molecule that contains two or more different elements.

• A form of an element that has the same mass number but different atomic number.

Nuclear Reactions

• A process that involves the change in the identity or characteristics of an atomic nucleus, caused by bombarding it with an energetic particle.

• A chemical reaction that occurs between two or more elements to form a compound.

• A physical change that alters the state of matter without changing its chemical composition.

• A reaction that occurs when two atoms collide and fuse together to form a larger atom.

Strong Force

• A force that holds the nucleus together in an atom.

• A force that causes atoms to split apart.

• A force that attracts electrons to the nucleus.

• A force that repels protons from each other.

Radiotherapy

• Treatment involving the use of high-energy radiation; commonly used to treat cancer.

• A method of physical therapy using heat and massage.

• A surgical procedure to remove tumors from the body.

• A type of chemotherapy that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

Decay Curve

• A graphical representation of the exponential rate at which radioactive disintegration occurs.

• A method for measuring the speed of light in a vacuum.

• A chart used to track the growth of a population over time.

• A diagram illustrating the phases of matter.

Nuclear Decay

• The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.

• A method of splitting atoms to release energy.

• The fusion of atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

• A chemical reaction that involves the rearrangement of atoms.

Fission

• When the nucleus of a heavy atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

• A process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

• The process of converting mass into energy without any nuclear reactions.

• A method of radioactive decay where an atom emits particles to become more stable.

Half-Life

• The time required for a quantity of substance to reduce to half of its initial value.

• The time it takes for a substance to double in quantity.

• The time required for a substance to completely decay.

• The time it takes for a substance to reach its maximum concentration.

Tracers

• Very small amounts of a radioactive substance used for health research, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions, including cancer.

• Large doses of non-radioactive substances used for health research.

• A type of imaging technique that does not involve any substances.

• A method of treatment that uses only surgical procedures.

Alpha Particle

• Consists of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium-4 nucleus.

• Consists of one proton and one neutron.

• Is a high-energy electron emitted during radioactive decay.

• Is a type of gamma radiation.