Radiation Terminology

noun a subatomic particle emitted during the radioactive decay of certain atomic nuclei

• A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted by certain types of radioactive decay.
• Did you know that a beta particle is like a tiny, fast electron or positron?
• I heard that beta particles are like super speedy little dudes!
• The beta particle shot out of the nucleus like a bullet from a gun.

noun a stream of high-energy electrons or positrons emitted by a radioactive substance or generated by a particle accelerator

• Beta rays are a type of ionizing radiation that are produced during the decay of certain radioactive elements.
• I heard that beta rays can penetrate through skin but can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum.
• Dude, did you know that beta rays are like the ninja stars of radiation?
• Her words hit me like a beta ray, piercing through my defenses and leaving me vulnerable.

adjective capable of being split or divided, especially by nuclear fission

• Uranium-235 is a fissile material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction.
• I heard that fissile materials are used in nuclear power plants.
• Don't mess around with fissile stuff, it's dangerous.
• The tension in the room was like a fissile material waiting to explode.

noun the time required for half the amount of a substance to be eliminated or disintegrate

• The half life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for half of its atoms to decay.
• I heard that the half life of that medication is only a few hours.
• Dude, the half life of that energy drink is like, 10 minutes tops.
• The half life of a trend on social media is getting shorter and shorter these days.

noun the condition of being exposed to radiation

• The food was treated with irradiation to kill any harmful bacteria.
• They used irradiation to make sure the food was safe to eat.
• They zapped the food with some irradiation to make it safe.
• His words had an irradiation effect on her, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

verb to expose to radiation, such as light or heat

• The food was irradiated to kill any harmful bacteria.
• They irradiated the package to make sure it's safe to eat.
• They zapped the food with radiation to make it safe.
• His words seemed to be irradiated with anger.

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 nuclear weapon or nuclear power plant

adjective relating to the nucleus of an atom or to nuclear energy

• The government is investing in nuclear energy as a sustainable power source.
• I heard they're building a new nuclear power plant in town.
• That movie was a total nuclear bomb, nobody liked it.
• Their relationship was like a nuclear explosion, intense and destructive.