Nuclear & Radiochemistry
13 terms
Neutron Emission
The direct ejection of a neutron from an extremely neutron-rich nucleus.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNeutron-to-Proton Ratio
The ratio of neutrons to protons in a nucleus, the principal determinant of its stability and decay mode.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Binding Energy
The energy that would be required to separate a nucleus completely into its individual protons and neutrons.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Chain Reaction
A self-sustaining sequence of fissions in which neutrons released by one event trigger further events.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Chemistry
The study of changes that occur in atomic nuclei and of the properties of radioactive substances.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Cross Section
A measure of the probability that a particular nuclear reaction will occur between a nucleus and an incident particle.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Fission
The splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei with the release of neutrons and a large amount of energy.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Fuel Enrichment
The process of increasing the proportion of a fissile isotope above its natural abundance.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Fusion
The combining of light nuclei into a heavier one, releasing energy.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Isomer
A nucleus in a long-lived excited state that decays to its ground state by gamma emission.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Reactor
A device in which a controlled nuclear chain reaction generates heat for power or produces radioisotopes.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclear Stability
The tendency of a nucleus to persist without undergoing radioactive decay.
Nuclear & RadiochemistryNuclide
A distinct species of atom characterised by a specific number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.