Environment: The Science Behind The Stories Chapters 20 Notes 2023

nuclear energy - -The energy that holds together protons and neutrons within the nucleus of an atom. Several processes, each of which involves transforming isotopes of one element into isotopes of other elements, can convert nuclear energy into thermal energy, which is then used to generate electricity. -radioisotope - -A radioactive isotope that emits subatomic particles and high-energy radiation as it "decays" into progressively lighter isotopes until becoming a stable isotope. -moderator - -Within a nuclear reactor, a substance, most often water or graphite, that slows the neutrons bombarding uranium so that fission can begin. -nuclear fusion - -The conversion of the energy within an atom's nucleus to usable thermal energy bu forcing together the small nuclei of lightweight elements under extremely high temperature and pressure. Developing a commercially viable method of nuclear fusion remains and elusive goal. -biomass - -Organic material derived from living of recently living organisms, containing chemical energy that originated with photosynthesis. -ethanol - -The alcohol in beer, wine, and liquor, produced as a biofuel by fermenting biomass, generally from carbohydrate-rich crops such as corn. -hydropower - -The generation of electricity using the kinetic energy of moving water. -nuclear fission - -The conversion of the energy within an atom's nucleus to usable thermal energy by splitting apart atomic nuclei. -half life