Module 11.1 Flashcards
(17 cards)
energy released when an atom is split (fission) or
combines with another to form a new atom (fusion)
Nuclear energy
the simplest form of matter that
cannot be broken down by chemical
means
Atom
a substance composed of all the
same type of atoms
Element
atoms that have different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus
but the same number of protons
Isotopes
atoms that spontaneously emit subatomic particles and/or
energy
Radioactive
hollow metal cylinders filled with uranium fuel pellets for
use in fission reactors
Fuel rods
a nuclear reaction that occurs when a neutron strikes the
nucleus of an atom and breaks it into two or more parts
Nuclear fission:
cylinder that can be added to a fuel assembly to absorb
neutrons and slow the fission chain reaction
Control rod
ionizing particle radiation that consists of two protons and two
neutrons
Alpha radiation
ionizing particle radiation that consists of electrons
Beta radiation
ionizing high-energy electromagnetic waves (photons)
* Easily penetrates skin and difficult to block
* Greatest potential harm to human health
Gamma radiation
the spontaneous loss of particle or gamma radiation
from an unstable nucleus
Radioactive decay
the time it takes for half of the radioactive isotopes in
a sample to decay to a new form
Radioactive half-life
material that has a low level of
radiation for its volume
Low-level radioactive waste (LLRW)
spent nuclear reactor fuel or
waste from the production of nuclear weapons that is still highly
radioactive
High-level radioactive waste (HLRW)
the federal law that mandated that
the federal government build and operate a long-term repository for the
disposal of high-level radioactive waste
U.S. Nuclear Waste Policy Act (1982)
