| A | B |
|---|
| chemistry | The study of matter |
| element | A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances |
| electrode | A piece of metal that can conduct electric current |
| anode | An electrode with a positive charge |
| cathode | An electrode with a negative charge |
| electron | Particle of matter with a negative charge |
| proton | Particle of matter with a positive charge |
| nucleus | Incredible small region of space at the center of an atom |
| neutron | Particle of matter with the same mass as a proton that is electrically neutral |
| electron cloud | region surrounding the nucleus of an atom where electrons are more likely to be found |
| atomic number | The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element |
| isotopes | Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons |
| mass number | The number of neutrons plus protons in the nucleus |
| strong nuclear force | The force that holds the nucleus together |
| radioactive decay | The release of nuclear particles and energy from unstable atomic nuclei |
| transmutation | The changing of one element into another through radioactive decay |
| alpha particle | Particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons |
| half-life | The amount of time required for half of a sample of the element to decay |
| carbon-14 | An isotope used to determine the age of dead animals, plants, and humans |
| tracer elements | Isotopes used to diagnose disease and to study environmental conditions |
