nuclear science library

 

Nuclear science is the study of sub-atomic particles and their application in various disciplines. Here you can learn about nuclear power plants, atomic theory and radiation.

Featured Article:  What's a uranium centrifuge?

Iran has announced its activation of a second set of uranium centrifuges. These machines are at the core of the uranium-enrichment process. Find out where the centrifuge fits into the equation. See more »

Infrared Radiation

Infrared Radiation, electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between those of visible red light and radio waves.

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Irradiation

Irradiation, exposure to radiation, such as X rays or ultraviolet rays, usually for a specific purpose.

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Isotope

Isotope, in chemistry, one of two or more forms of an element that have the same atomic number but different atomic weights.

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Neutrino

Neutrino, an elementary particle that has no electric charge. Physicists believe that neutrinos have either an extremely small mass or no mass at all.

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Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy, energy released in large amounts by the splitting or formation of atomic nuclei.

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Nuclear Physics

Nuclear Physics, the branch of physics that deals with the atomic nucleus, or inner core of the atom.

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Particle Accelerator

Particle Accelerator, a device that accelerates electrons, protons, or other charged particles to very high speeds.

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Quantum Theory

Quantum Theory, the theory that radiant energy is emitted (given off) and absorbed in units, or quanta, rather than in a steady stream.

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Quark

Quark, a particle that physicists believe is a basic constituent of protons, neutrons, and certain other subatomic particles collectively known as hadrons.

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Radiation

Radiation, the emission and transmission of energy and particles of matter from atoms.

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Radioactivity

Radioactivity, the process by which the nuclei (cores) of unstable atoms of an element emit radiation (particles of matter and rays of energy), and in so doing become atoms of other elements.

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What is an atomic clock and how does it work?

Many ads for new clocks advertise their ability to automatically synchronize themselves with the atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado. This atomic clock is more precise because it uses the frequencies of atoms as its resonator.

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Wild World: Atoms Quiz

This atoms quiz will test your knowledge about the smallest particles that make up matter. Check out our atoms quiz.

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How does a Crookes' radiometer work?

I once saw this device shaped like a light bulb. It had a vertical support inside it, and on that support there were four vanes with four diamonds on the end. One side of the diamond was black and the other was white. I did a little research and found out that it was called a Crookes' radiometer -- how does it work?

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