Nuclear Terms Crossword Puzzle

QUESTIONS LIST:

• atom : the basic unit of matter, consisting of a nucleus and electrons
• nucleus : the center of an atom, containing protons and neutrons
• isotope : atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons
• radioactivity : the process by which unstable nuclei release energy
• fission : splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei
• fusion : the process of combining atomic nuclei to release energy
• neutron : a subatomic particle found in the nucleus with no electric charge
• proton : a positively charged particle located in the atomic nucleus
• electron : a negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus
• reactor : a device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction
• power plant : a facility where nuclear energy is converted into electrical power
• moderator : material used in a reactor to slow down fast neutrons
• radioactive waste : materials left over from the use of nuclear fuel that are radioactive and require disposal
• meltdown : an accident where a reactor’s core overheats, potentially releasing radiation
• chain reaction : a self-sustaining series of reactions in which the fission of one nucleus triggers others
• half-life : the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay
• dosimeter : a device used to measure exposure to ionizing radiation
• geiger counter : a device that detects and measures radiation
• plutonium : a radioactive element used as fuel in nuclear reactors and weapons
• uranium : a heavy metal used as fuel in nuclear reactors
• decommissioning : the process of safely closing down a nuclear facility
• isolation : the practice of keeping radioactive materials separate from people and the environment
• shielding : materials used to protect people from exposure to radiation
• nuclear fuel : materials, like uranium or plutonium, used in a reactor to produce energy
• fallout : radioactive particles released into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion or accident