nuclear energy
Energy released when atomic nuclei undergo a nuclear reaction such as the spontaneous emission of radioactivity, nuclear fission, or nuclear fusion.
Subject:
Chapter 3 - Science, Systems, Matter & Energy
nuclear change
Process in which nuclei of certain isotopes spontaneously change, or are forced to change, into one or more different isotopes. The three principal types of nuclear change are natural radioactivity, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion. Compare chemical change, physical change.
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nonpersistent pollutant
See degradable pollutant.
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nonionizing radiation
Forms of radiant energy such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, and ordinary light that do not have enough energy to cause ionization of atoms in living tissue. Compare ionizing radiation.
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Nondegradable pollutant
Material that is not broken down by natural processes. Examples are the toxic elements lead and mercury. Compare biodegradable pollutant, degradable pollutant, slowly degradable pollutant.
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neutron (n)
Elementary particle in the nuclei of all atoms (except hydrogen-1). It has a relative mass of 1 and no electric charge. Compare electron, proton.
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negative feedback loop
Situation in which a change in a certain direction provides information that causes a system to change less in that direction. Compare positive feedback loop.
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natural radioactive decay
Nuclear change in which unstable nuclei of atoms spontaneously shoot out particles (usually alpha or beta particles) or energy (gamma rays) at a fixed rate.
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natural law
See scientific law.
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natural ionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation in the environment from natural sources. See ionizing radiation.
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