Atomic Structure and nuclear energy – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Subtomic
answer
Anything smaller than an atom. ( the particles that make up an atom).
question
Nucleus
answer
center of atom, contains protons and neutrons.
question
Protons
answer
nucleon with a positive charge. mass of one AMU
question
Neutrons
answer
nucleon with no charge. mass of one AMU
question
Electron
answer
Subatomic particle with a negative charge
question
Electron cloud
answer
area around the nucleus where the electrons are found.
question
energy levels
answer
paths in electron cloud where the electrons orbit the nucleus.
question
Valence
answer
electrons in the outer most energy level. Responsible for chemical reactions.
question
Quarks
answer
material that make up the protons and neutrons.
question
Atomic number
answer
number of protons in the nucleus.
question
Atomic mass
answer
number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. (average mass)
question
Electromagnetic force
answer
attraction between charges. (holds electrons close to the nucleus.)
question
Strong nuclear force
answer
neutrons and protons attract each other at very small distances. (strongest force)
question
Weak nuclear force
answer
causes a neutron by itself to break down into a proton and an electron.
question
gravity
answer
weakest force
question
isotopes
answer
atoms of the same element but different # of neutrons.
question
Transmutation
answer
changing of one atom into another element.
question
Binding of energy
answer
total amount of energy holding the nucleus together. ( caused by strong and weak nuclear forces)
question
fusion
answer
combining atomic nuclei to create a new element.
question
fission
answer
nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei
question
parent nucleus
answer
the original nucleus
question
daughter nucleus
answer
when the nucleus splits into two
question
radioactive
answer
break down and give off subatomic particles and radiation
question
Alpha decay
answer
nucleus ejects 2 protons and neutrons
question
beta decay
answer
neutron turns in proton and an electron (electron is ejected)
question
gamma decay
answer
nucleus gives off energy as gamma rays to become more stable
question
half life
answer
the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay
question
carbon dating
answer
living thing contains lots of carbon
question
Radiation
answer
flow of energy through space
question
non- ionizing radiation
answer
low energy radiation
question
ionizing radiation
answer
high energy that can break chemical bonds in molecules
