2.1 Splitting the Atom
What is the nucleus?
the central part of the atom that contains protons and neutrons
What is the first law of thermodynamics
energy is neither created or destroyed
What are greenhouse gases
gases that contribute to the heating of Earth's surface
What is inertia
an object's resistance to change in motion unless it is acted upon by an external forces
Why do materials with extra electrons stick to a material with missing electrons
Positive charges are attracted to negative charges
What is the term for when an atom has extra neutrons inside the nucleus?
isotopes
What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics
the natural state of universe is entropy (randomness)
What is heat
energy moving from one area to another
What is Newtons 1st law
An object at rest will stay at rest, an object in motion will stay in motion
define current
a stream of electrical charges
How do unstable isotopes return to a stable state?
They release particles of energy to get rid of extra neutrons
What is the 3rd law of thermodynamics?
As a substance approaches absolute 0, its entropy becomes total
What is a semiconductor
a solid element that is not a great conductor
what is friction
a force that keeps two objects from rubbing smoothly against each other
what is static electricity
the electrical charges that build up in a material but don't have anywhere to go
What is nuclear fission and what is one use of it?
Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atom's nucleus. It is used to create atomic bombs and in nuclear power plants to create electricity
What happens to molecules as heat is applied
they expand and their speed increases
What are photons
tiny packets of electromagnetic radiation or energy
what is Newtons 2nd law
F=ma (the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it)
Why is static most noticeable in winter
Because the air is more dry
What are the types of particles isotopes release?
alpha, beta, gamma particles
What happens to molecules as they become colder
they compact and slow down
Why aren't solar cells more popular than fossil fuels
they are too costly compared to the energy created
what is Newton's 3rd law
for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction
define atomic
of or related to the subject of atoms