| A | B |
|---|
| Radioactivity | process by where untable nuclei breakdown and emit radiation |
| alpha particle | the nucleus of a helium atom |
| alpha particle consists of | 2 protons and 2 neutrons |
| beta particle | an electron emitted during radioactive decay of certain elements |
| gamma particle | high frequency electromagnetic radiation |
| nucleon | proton and neutron in nucleus |
| half life | time required for half of the nuclei to decay |
| transmutation | the conversion of the atomic nucleus of one atom to another atom |
| nuclear fission | the splitting of a nucleus with the release of energy |
| Chain reaction | a self sustaining rx , where the products of one rx stimulate another rx |
| critical mass | the minimal mass of fissionable material that will sustain a chain rx |
| nuclear fusion | combining light nuclei to form heavier nuclei and releasing energy |
| Thermonuclear fusion | nuclear fusion produced by high temperature |
