Nuclear Reactions

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Transmutation Noun

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[trans-myoo-tey-shuhn]

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Transmutation

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The conversion of an atom of one element into an atom of another, either spontaneously or through artificial means.

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Example: A large atom's nucleus (Uranium) is struck by a neutron and splits into two smaller, different nuclei (Krypton and Barium), demonstrating the change of one element into another.

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Radioactive Decay Noun

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[rey-dee-oh-ak-tiv dih-key]

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Radioactive Decay

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The spontaneous process where an unstable nucleus emits radiation to become a more stable nucleus of a different element.

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Example: This graph shows that during radioactive decay, the amount of a substance decreases by half with each passing 'half-life,' a key measure of decay rate.

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Induced Transmutation Noun

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[in-doost trans-myoo-tey-shuhn]

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Induced Transmutation

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The process of forcing a nuclear reaction by bombarding a stable nucleus with a high-energy particle like a neutron.

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Example: A fast-moving alpha particle strikes an atomic nucleus, causing it to change into a new, larger element, a process called induced transmutation.

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Particle Accelerator Noun

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[pahr-ti-kuhl ak-sel-uh-rey-ter]

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Particle Accelerator

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A machine using strong electric and magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles to extremely high speeds for experiments.

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Example: This diagram shows particles being sped up in a straight line by passing through charged electrodes, eventually hitting a target to cause a high-energy collision.

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Transuranium Elements Noun

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[trans-yoo-rey-nee-uhm el-uh-muhnts]

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Transuranium Elements

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Radioactive elements with atomic numbers greater than 92, all of which are produced artificially in laboratory settings.

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Example: This periodic table highlights all the transuranium elements, which are elements with an atomic number greater than 92 (Uranium), in a distinct color.

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Mass Defect Noun

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[mas dee-fekt]

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Mass Defect

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The difference between the actual mass of a nucleus and the total mass of its individual protons and neutrons.

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Example: The total mass of separate protons and neutrons is greater than their mass when they are bound together in a nucleus; this difference is the mass defect.

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Nucleons Noun

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[noo-klee-ons]

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Nucleons

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A collective term for the particles that make up an atomic nucleus, which are specifically protons and neutrons.

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Example: This diagram shows the center of an atom, the nucleus, which is made of protons and neutrons, collectively known as nucleons.

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Nuclear Binding Energy Noun

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[noo-klee-er bahyn-ding en-er-jee]

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Nuclear Binding Energy

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The energy required to break a nucleus apart into its individual protons and neutrons, indicating its overall stability.

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Example: Adding binding energy to an atomic nucleus separates it into its individual protons and neutrons (nucleons).

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Nuclear Fission Noun

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[noo-klee-er fish-uhn]

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Nuclear Fission

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The process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller fragments, which releases a very large amount of energy.

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Example: A neutron hits a large uranium nucleus, causing it to become unstable and split into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and more neutrons.

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Chain Reaction Noun

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[cheyn ree-ak-shuhn]

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Chain Reaction

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A self-sustaining process where one nuclear fission event triggers one or more subsequent fission events, releasing immense energy.

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Example: A single neutron hits a nucleus, causing it to split and release more neutrons, which then hit other nuclei, creating a rapidly growing chain.