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Cards In This Set
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Isotope
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Different atoms of the same element, with the difference between the two atoms being the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
They have the same # of protons and same atomic # but different mass # (7.1) |
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Radioactive decay
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The process in which the nuclei of radioactive parent isotopes emit alpha, beta, aor gamma radiation to form decay products. (7.1)
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Alpha particle
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Positively charged; the most massive of all particles and essentially the same as helium atoms. No electrons. It has 2 protons = a charge of +2. They're slow and can be stopped by a sheet of paper.
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Beta particle
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A high speed electron (negative charge); emitted by the nucles. It has a mass of 0 and a charge of -1. Beta decay occurs when a neutron changes into a proton + an electron. The proton stays in the nucleus and the electron is released. Aluminum foil will stop it. (7.1)
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Gamma ray
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Rays of high-energy, short wave-length radiation emitted from the nuclei of atoms. Has no charge and no mass. (7.1)
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Radioisotope
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Isotopes that are capable of radioactive decay. (7.1)
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Parent isotope
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The isotope that undergoes radioactive decay. (7.1)
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Daughter isotope
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The stable product of radioactive decay. (7.1)
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Half-life
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The time required for half of the radioactive sample to decay. (7.2)
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Radiocarbon dating
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Determining the age of on object by measuring the amount of carbon-14 remaining in it. (7.2)
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Common isotope pair
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Radioisotope pairs that can be used for dating (the parent and daughter isotopes). (7.2)
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Nuclear reaction
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The process in which an atom's nucleus changes by gaining or releasing particles or energy. (7.3)
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Nuclear fission
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The splitting of massive nucleus into two less heavy nuclei, subatomic particles, and energy.
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Nuclear fusion
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The joining of two light nuclei into one heavier nucleus. (7.3)
In core of Sun, 2 hydrogen nuclei join under tremendous heat & pressure to form a helium nucleus. Huge amounts of energy are released. |
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Chain reaction
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An ongoing process in which one fission reaction initiates the next reaction. (7.3)
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