Physical Science: Nuclear Chemistry – Flashcards

atom that has the same number of pretons (atomic number) as another atom but a different number of neutrons

weakest type of nuclear radiation; consists of a helium nucleus released during alpha decay

electron, created in the nucleus of an atom, released during beta decay

high-frequency electromagnetic wave released during gamma decay; strongest type of neclear radiation

amount of time it takes for half the atomes in a given sample of an element to decay

process in which a nucleus spontaneously emits particles or rays to become lighter and more stable

the splitting of the nucleus of an atom into nuclei of lighter atoms, accompanied by the release of energy

a thermonuclear reaction in which nuclei of light atoms join to form nuclei of heavier atoms, as the combination of deuterium atoms to form helium atoms

release of energy and amtter that results from changes in the nucleus of an atom

any method of determining the age of earth materials or objects of organic origin based on measurement of either short-lived radioactive elements or the amount of a long-lived radioactive element plus its decay product