Nuclear Chemistry
nucleon
a proton or neutron
nuclide
An atom that is identified by the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus
nuclear strong force
The force that holds together the protons and neutrons in the nucleus
radioactivity
Process by which certain unstable atoms or elements undergo spontaneous disintergration, or decay, in an effort to attain a more balanced nuclear state
beta particle
an electron emitted during radioactive decay
gamma ray
Electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies
alpha particle
a helium nucleus emitted during alpha decay
nuclear fission
A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
nuclear fusion
A nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy
nuclear reaction equation
A reaction equation showing changes in the atomic nucleus
nuclear chain reaction
a continuous series of nuclear fission reactions
half-life
The time required for one half of the atoms of a radioisotope to emit radiation an decay products