Nuclear Energy

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Across
  1. 6. The emission of ionizing radiation or particles caused by the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei.
  2. 8. A fluid circulated through a reactor core to remove heat.
  3. 9. Process that separates uranium from ore; the product is often called yellowcake.
  4. 13. Type of plant where nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy.
  5. 14. A small, solid cylinder of uranium oxide that forms the basic fuel component.
  6. 15. High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay.
  7. 20. The heavy metal element, naturally occurring, used as the primary fuel in most nuclear reactors.
  8. 21. Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
  9. 24. A type of radioactive decay particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons (a helium nucleus).
  10. 25. Device rotated by steam in a nuclear power plant to drive an electrical generator.
  11. 28. The process of increasing the concentration of the fissionable isotope U-235.
  12. 30. The smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties.
  13. 31. A neutral subatomic particle that initiates the fission process.
  14. 32. The splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.
Down
  1. 1. A synthetic, highly radioactive element often created in a nuclear reactor and used as fuel.
  2. 2. Material (like water or graphite) used to slow down fast neutrons to increase the probability of fission.
  3. 3. A self-sustaining process of nuclear fission reactions.
  4. 4. The state where a nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining.
  5. 5. The central part of a nuclear reactor where the fission reactions take place.
  6. 7. The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to undergo decay.
  7. 10. The presence of radioactive material in a place where it should not be, often on surfaces or within materials.
  8. 11. A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted in radioactive decay.
  9. 12. The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
  10. 16. A very common substance used both as a moderator and coolant in many reactors.
  11. 17. A subatomic particle with a positive electric charge, found in the nucleus.
  12. 18. The process of combining two lighter atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
  13. 19. A device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction.
  14. 22. Material used to protect personnel and equipment from ionizing radiation.
  15. 23. A common instrument used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation (____ counter).
  16. 26. A unit of equivalent dose used to measure the biological effect of radiation on the human body.
  17. 27. Spent nuclear fuel and other materials that are highly radioactive and require long-term storage.
  18. 29. Control ______ are inserted into the reactor core to absorb neutrons and control the reaction rate.