Glossary
Accelerator
A device used to accelerate particles to high speeds.
Alpha particle
A high-energy particle released during alpha decay.
Atom probe tomography (APT)
An imaging technique that uses electric fields to create images of atoms.
Atom
The smallest unit of an element.
Atomic number
A number representing the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Beta particle
A high-energy particle released during beta decay.
Chemical energy
The energy stored in the bonds between atoms in a molecule.
Control rod
A device used to control the rate of a nuclear reaction.
Coolant
A material used to transfer heat away from a nuclear reactor.
Crystallography
The study of the structure of crystals.
Cyclotron
A type of particle accelerator that uses electric fields to control the particles.
Decay
The breakdown of an atom’s nucleus into smaller particles.
Dosimeter
A device used to measure the amount of radiation absorbed by a person.
Electrical energy
The energy contained in an electric current.
Electron
A negatively charged subatomic particle found in the orbit of an atom.
Element
A substance consisting of atoms with the same number of protons.
Energy
The capacity to do work.
Fossil fuels
Fuels derived from the remains of plants and animals, such as coal and oil.
Gamma ray
High-energy radiation released during nuclear decay.
Half-life
The amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
Ion
An atom that has gained or lost an electron, giving it a positive or negative charge.
Isotope
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
Laser
A device that emits a beam of light with a precise wavelength.
Magnetic energy
The energy contained in a magnetic field.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The use of magnetic fields to create images of internal organs.
Mass spectrometry
The use of an instrument to measure the mass of molecules.
Mechanical energy
The energy contained in a moving or stationary object.
Moderator
A material used to slow down the speed of neutrons in a nuclear reactor.
Molecule
A group of atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Muon
A charged subatomic particle that is similar to an electron, but more massive.
Neutrino
An uncharged subatomic particle that interacts very weakly with matter.
Neutron scattering
The use of neutrons to study the structure of materials.
Neutron
An uncharged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
Non-renewable energy
Energy obtained from a natural resource that cannot be replenished.
Nuclear energy
The energy contained in the nucleus of an atom.
Nuclear fission
The splitting of a large atom into smaller atoms, releasing energy in the process.
Nuclear fuel
A material used to generate energy in a nuclear reactor.
Nuclear fusion
The combining of two small atoms to form a larger atom, releasing energy in the process.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
The use of nuclear magnetic fields to study the structure of molecules.
Nuclear medicine
The medical use of radioactive substances to diagnose or treat diseases.
Nuclear physics
The branch of physics that deals with the structure and behavior of the nucleus of an atom.
Nuclear reactor
A device used to generate electricity by controlling a nuclear reaction.
Nuclear safety
The measures taken to ensure the safe operation of a nuclear facility.
Nuclear security
The measures taken to protect a nuclear facility from unauthorized access.
Nuclear waste
The material produced by a nuclear reaction, containing radioactive substances.
Particle accelerator
A device used to accelerate particles to high speeds.
Particle detector
A device used to detect particles.
Particle physics
The study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the interactions between them.
Photon
A particle of light.
Photovoltaic cell
A device that converts sunlight into electricity.
Proton
A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
Quantum mechanics
The branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level.
Radiation
The emission of energy in the form of waves or particles.
Radioactivity
The release of radiation from an atom.
Radionuclide
An atom with an unstable nucleus, emitting energy in the form of radiation.
Radiotherapy
The medical use of radiation to treat cancer.
Reactor core
The central part of a nuclear reactor, containing the fuel and moderator.
Renewable energy
Energy obtained from a natural resource that can be replenished.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
A type of microscope that uses electrons to create images.
Superconductivity
The ability of certain materials to conduct electricity with zero resistance.
Synchrotron
A type of particle accelerator that uses magnetic fields to control the particles.
X-ray diffraction
The use of X-rays to study the structure of materials.
X-ray fluorescence
The use of X-rays to identify the elements present in a sample.
X-ray imaging
The use of X-rays to create images of internal organs.