Nuclear Physics Terminology

noun a chemical reaction in which one reaction leads to another reaction, which in turn leads to another reaction, and so on

• The chemical reaction initiated a chain reaction that spread throughout the entire compound.
• One small mistake can set off a chain reaction of problems.
• If you don't stop gossiping, it's gonna start a whole chain reaction of drama.
• The decision to invest in renewable energy set off a chain reaction of positive changes in the company.

noun the action of dividing or splitting something into two or more parts

verb to undergo fission, especially nuclear fission

• Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei.
• The scientists are studying the process of fission in the lab.
• I heard that fission can create a lot of energy when done properly.
• The breakup of the band was like a fission, causing a lot of tension and division among the members.

noun a type of nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy

• The fusion of different cultures can lead to a rich and diverse society.
• I love the fusion of flavors in this dish - it's so delicious!
• That new song is a fusion of hip-hop and pop - it's fire!
• The fusion of ideas from different disciplines can lead to innovative solutions.

noun a condition of extreme emotional distress or frustration

verb to collapse or break down completely due to extreme heat or pressure

• The nuclear reactor experienced a meltdown due to a failure in the cooling system.
• I had a complete meltdown when I found out I failed the exam.
• She had a total meltdown when she saw her ex with someone new.
• After a long day at work, I feel like I'm going to meltdown from stress.

noun a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electrical charge

• Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no electric charge.
• I heard that neutrons are really important in nuclear reactions.
• Neutrons are like the cool kids of the atomic world - they hang out with everyone!
• In a crowded room, he felt like a neutron, just floating around without any real purpose.

noun a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy

• Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei.
• Did you know that nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity?
• Some people think nuclear fission is like splitting atoms to create a big boom.
• In a way, nuclear fission can be compared to breaking apart a puzzle to reveal its pieces.

noun a highly radioactive metallic element found in small amounts in uranium ores, used in the treatment of cancer and in luminous paints

• The discovery of radium by Marie Curie was a groundbreaking achievement in the field of chemistry.
• Did you know radium was used in glow-in-the-dark paint back in the day?
• That party was lit, they must have added some radium to the drinks!
• Her smile was so bright and infectious, it was like she was emitting radium.

noun a division or separation

• The scission of the company led to two separate entities being formed.
• The scission of the group caused a lot of drama among the members.
• I heard the scission of the band was due to creative differences.
• The scission of the family left deep emotional scars that took years to heal.

noun a slang term for a short amount of time

• I will be with you in just two shakes of a lamb's tail.
• I'll be ready in two shakes, just give me a minute.
• I can finish this task in two shakes, no worries.
• The deal was settled in just two shakes of a lamb's tail.

noun a combining form representing actinide in compound words

• Actinio- is a prefix used in chemistry to indicate a relationship to actinium.
• I heard that actinio- is related to something in chemistry, but I'm not sure what exactly.
• Yo, did you know that actinio- is like the cool kid in the chemistry world?
• The actinio- prefix is like the secret code for all things actinium-related in chemistry.

noun a radioactive metallic chemical element with symbol Ac and atomic number 89

• Actinium is a radioactive element with the symbol Ac and atomic number 89.
• I heard actinium is a really rare element.
• Yo, have you ever seen actinium on the periodic table?
• Her passion for chemistry was like actinium - rare and powerful.