Nuclear Chemistry
Science

A particle made of two protons and two neutrons, it is emitted from a radioactive nucleus
Alpha particle
A particle made of two protons and two neutrons, it is emitted from a radioactive nucleus. Alpha particle. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus that is often released during radioactive decay, carrying high energy and causing ionization.

A fission reaction which creates products that continue the same reaction repeatedly
Chain reaction
A fission reaction which creates products that continue the same reaction repeatedly. Chain reaction. A chain reaction is a process where a reactive product causes additional reactions to occur continuously.

A type of decay in which the nucleus of an atom draws in an inner electron
Electron capture
A type of decay in which the nucleus of an atom draws in an inner electron. Electron capture. Electron capture is when an atom's nucleus absorbs one of its own electrons, turning a proton into a neutron and releasing a neutrino.

The difference in mass between an atom and the sum of the masses of the protons, neutrons, and electrons
Mass defect
The difference in mass between an atom and the sum of the masses of the protons, neutrons, and electrons mass defect. Mass defect is the small amount of mass lost and converted into energy when atomic nuclei are formed.

An attractive force that acts between nuclear particles that are close together, such as protons and neutrons in a nucleus
Nuclear force
An attractive force that acts between nuclear particles that are close together, such as protons and neutrons in a nucleus. Nuclear force. It is the strong force that holds the nucleus of an atom together, keeping protons and neutrons bonded.

A chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form
Radioisotope
A chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form. Radioisotope. A radioisotope is a type of atom that changes over time by giving off energy, helping scientists study and use radiation in various fields.

A radioactive nuclide introduced into an organism for diagnostic purposes, whose pathway can be traced
Radiotracer
A radioactive nuclide introduced into an organism for diagnostic purposes, whose pathway can be traced. Radiotracer. A radiotracer is a substance that helps doctors see how organs and tissues are functioning by tracing its movement inside the body using special imaging techniques.

A radiation detector that is triggered by a flash of light (or scintillation)
Scintillation counter
A radiation detector that is triggered by a flash of light or scintillation. Scintillation counter. It is a device used to detect and measure radiation by capturing flashes of light produced when radiation interacts with certain materials.

A force that acts on subatomic particles that are extremely close together
Strong nuclear force
A force that acts on subatomic particles that are extremely close together. Strong nuclear force. The strong nuclear force is what holds the nucleus of an atom together by binding protons and neutrons tightly.