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Radioactive Decay definitions

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Terms in this set (15)

  • Nuclear Reactions
    Processes affecting the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, often changing the element.
  • Alpha Decay
    Emission of a particle with 2 protons and 2 neutrons, reducing atomic mass by 4.
  • Beta Decay
    Emission of an electron from an unstable nucleus, altering the atomic number.
  • Gamma Emission
    Release of high-energy photons, with no change in atomic mass or number.
  • Electron Capture
    Absorption of an electron by a nucleus, decreasing the atomic number.
  • Positron Emission
    Release of a positron, a positive electron, from an unstable nucleus.
  • Alpha Particle
    A particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to a Helium nucleus.
  • Beta Particle
    An electron emitted during beta decay, with negligible mass and negative charge.
  • Gamma Rays
    High-energy electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelength and highest frequency.
  • Ionizing Power
    The ability of radiation to ionize atoms, with alpha particles having the highest.
  • Penetrating Power
    The ability of radiation to penetrate materials, with gamma rays having the highest.
  • Isotopes
    Variants of elements with the same atomic number but different neutron counts.
  • Atomic Number
    The number of protons in an atom's nucleus, defining the element's identity.
  • Atomic Mass
    The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
  • Rutherfordium
    Element 104, named after Ernest Rutherford for his contributions to nuclear chemistry.