Nuclear Energy Vocabulary

Front

What is the minimum mass of a fissionable isotope required to sustain a chain reaction?

Back

Critical mass.

Front

What is the process called when a nucleus splits into two or more fragments, releasing neutrons and energy?

Back

Fission.

Front

What is the term for the disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus into one or more different nuclides?

Back

Radioactive decay.

Front

What are the particles released from the nucleus during radioactive decay called?

Back

Nuclear radiation.

Front

What is the time required for half of a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay called?

Back

Half-life.

Front

What is the term for the energy released during nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear energy.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a nucleus, while fusion is the combining of nuclei.

Front

What is a common use of nuclear fission in energy production?

Back

Nuclear power plants.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in sustaining a nuclear chain reaction?

Back

Neutrons initiate further fission reactions.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

An isotope that is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay.