Question

you have just learned about nuclear energy. now match each term with its definition.
half - life: the cluster of protons and neutrons in the center of an atom
meltdown: atoms of the same element that have different mass numbers
isotopes: alpha and beta particles and gamma rays that are given off in the decaying of unstable nuclei
nuclear fission: the amount of time it takes half the atoms in a sample of a radioactive element to decay
radiation: a reaction in which the nucleus of a large atom is split into smaller nuclei, emitting large amounts of energy

Explanation:

Matches are based on standard nuclear science definitions:

• Half-life describes radioactive decay timing.
• Isotopes are same-element atoms with different neutron counts (mass numbers).
• Radiation is the particles/rays released during nuclear decay.
• Nuclear fission is the splitting of heavy atomic nuclei for energy.
• The provided term "meltdown" (a reactor failure) does not align with the remaining definition, which refers to an atomic nucleus (not listed as a term).

Answer:

1. half-life → the amount of time it takes half the atoms in a sample of a radioactive element to decay
2. isotopes → atoms of the same element that have different mass numbers
3. radiation → alpha and beta particles and gamma rays that are given off in the decaying of unstable nuclei
4. nuclear fission → a reaction in which the nucleus of a large atom is split into smaller nuclei, emitting large amounts of energy
5. Note: The definition "the cluster of protons and neutrons in the center of an atom" corresponds to an atomic nucleus, which is not listed in the provided terms; the remaining term "meltdown" refers to a nuclear reactor failure event, which does not match any of the given definitions.