Transmutations
Artificial Transmutation
Fission or Fusion
Transmutation
a change in the nucleus of an atom that converts the atom from one element to another element is called
beta particle
a high-speed electron with a 1- charge that is emitted during radioactive decay
Fission
a nuclear reaction in which a nucleus is broken apart
Fusion
a nuclear reaction in which two light nuclei combine to form a more massive nucleus
positron
a particle that has the same mass as an electron, but has a positive charge, and is emitted from the nucleus during some kinds of radioactive decay
Co-60
a radioisotope used in the treatment of cancer
C-14
a radioisotope used to determine the age of once-living things
U-238
a radioisotope used to determine the age of rocks
I-131
a radioisotope used to determine thyroid conditions
alpha particle
a type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons
gamma radiation
a type of nuclear radiation made of high-energy waves
the least penetrating type of radioactive particle
alpha particle
the most penetrating type of radioactive particle
gamma ray
Benefits of Fission
produces a lot of energy
Radioactive Decay
the process during which an element's nucleus spontaneously emits a particle
Chain Reaction
when the neutron produced by one fission reaction hits another nucleus to cause another fission reaction
Natural Transmutation
Radioactive Decay
