Glossary of Nuclear Chemistry Terms
Chain Reaction
A process where one nuclear reaction causes more reactions, creating a self-sustaining cycle.
Catalyst
A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up.
CNO Cycle
A fusion process in stars where carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen help turn hydrogen into helium.
Deuterium
A heavy form of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron.
Electron Volt
A small unit of energy used in atomic and nuclear processes.
Fission
The splitting of a heavy nucleus into two smaller ones, releasing energy.
Fusion
The joining of two light nuclei to make a heavier nucleus and release energy.
Isotope
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Nuclear Reaction
A change in an atom’s nucleus that can involve fission, fusion, or radioactive decay.
Positron
A particle like an electron but with a positive charge (antimatter).
Positron Emission
A type of decay where a proton becomes a neutron and releases a positron.
Proton
A positively charged particle in the nucleus of an atom.
Proton-Proton Chain
A series of fusion reactions in stars like the Sun that turn hydrogen into helium.