Earth Science Ch.2 Section 2 Review

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Mass Number

The number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus.

Radioactive Decay

The release of particles and energy from the nucleus.

Transmutation

When particles leave the nucleus and change the atom into a different element.

Smoke Detection

Where does transmutation occur in your home?

Alpha Decay

2 protons, 2 neutrons, and energy leave the nucleus

Beta Decay

1 neutron splits into an electron and a proton; the electron and energy leave the nucleus

Half-Life

The amount of time needed for half of an element sample to decay.

Tracer Elements

Radioactive isotopes made of stable elements with very short half-lives; used to detect disease and study environmental effects.

Particle Accelerator

Technology that allows scientists to make man-made elements