Vocabulary Words Every Nuclear Engineer Should Know

Nuclear

Definition: Relating to the nucleus of an atom; often used in the context of energy or weapons.

• Nuclear energy is a powerful source of electricity.
• She learned about nuclear reactions in her science class.
• Nuclear physics studies the behavior of atomic nuclei.

Nuclear in a sentence

Energy

Definition: The ability to do work or cause change; vitality.

• I need more energy to finish my homework.
• He has a lot of energy after a good sleep.
• They use solar energy to power their home.

Energy in a sentence

Power

Definition: The ability to do something or act in a certain way; energy used to perform work.

• Electricity provides power to our homes.
• He has the power to change the situation.
• The power of teamwork can lead to success.

Power in a sentence

Reactor

Definition: A device used to initiate and control nuclear reactions.

• The reactor generates electricity for the city.
• Safety measures are crucial around the reactor.
• The nuclear reactor is located at the power plant.

Reactor in a sentence

Plant

Definition: A living thing that grows in soil and needs water and sunlight.

• She planted a rose in the garden.
• Plants need sunlight to grow.
• We have a small plant in our room.

Plant in a sentence

Fuel

Definition: a substance that provides energy, such as gasoline or food

• Gasoline is a common fuel for cars.
• He learned about different types of fuel in science.
• Using renewable fuel helps the environment.

Fuel in a sentence

Heat

Definition: The quality of being hot; energy that causes temperature to rise.

• The heat from the sun warmed the ground.
• She turned on the heat because it was cold.
• Understanding heat is important in science and daily life.

Heat in a sentence

Safety

Definition: The condition of being protected from danger or harm.

• Safety is the most important thing in our school.
• We should practice safety rules when crossing the street.
• The safety of the children is our top priority.

Safety in a sentence

Control

Definition: To have power over something; to direct or regulate.

• He tries to control his temper when frustrated.
• We need to control the noise level in the classroom.
• She learned how to control the robot using a remote.

Control in a sentence

Water

Definition: A clear liquid that all living things need.

• We drink water every day.
• Plants need water to grow.
• The glass is full of water.

Water in a sentence

Steam

Definition: the gas produced by boiling water

• The steam from the kettle filled the kitchen.
• She watched the steam rise from her hot soup.
• Understanding steam is important in cooking.

Steam in a sentence

Electricity

Definition: A form of energy that powers devices and machines.

• Electricity lights up our homes.
• We need to save electricity by turning off lights.
• The storm caused a power outage and cut off electricity.

Electricity in a sentence

Wave

Definition: To move the hand as a greeting or movement of water.

• She waved at her friend from the window.
• The waves in the sea were very high.
• He gave a small wave before leaving.

Wave in a sentence

Atom

Definition: The smallest unit of a chemical element; the building block of matter.

• Everything is made up of atoms.
• An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Scientists study atoms to understand matter.

Atom in a sentence

Core

Definition: The central or most important part of something.

• The core of the apple is where the seeds are.
• Understanding the core concepts is essential for learning.
• The core values of the school focus on respect and kindness.

Core in a sentence

Radiation

Definition: Energy that travels in waves, often associated with heat or light.

• The sun emits radiation that warms the Earth.
• Some medical treatments use radiation to heal.
• We learned about radiation in science class.

Radiation in a sentence

Neutron

Definition: A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge.

• Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus of an atom.
• They learned about neutrons in their chemistry class.
• Understanding neutrons is key in nuclear physics.

Neutron in a sentence

Electron

Definition: a negatively charged particle found in atoms

• Electrons are essential for electricity and chemical reactions.
• He learned about the role of electrons in his science course.
• Understanding electrons is crucial for studying chemistry.

Electron in a sentence

Circuit

Definition: A path for electrical flow or a series of events.

• The light bulb is part of an electrical circuit.
• They ran a circuit around the park.
• He learned about the water circuit in science class.

Circuit in a sentence

Machine

Definition: A device that uses power to perform a task.

• The machine helps us make our work easier.
• I saw a machine that can print 3D objects.
• We need to fix the machine in the workshop.

Machine in a sentence

System

Definition: A set of connected things or parts that work together.

• Our school has a new system for tracking grades.
• The solar system has many planets.
• A good study system helps improve learning.

System in a sentence

Technology

Definition: The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes; tools and machines.

• Technology changes quickly in our world.
• She studies technology in school.
• They use technology to solve problems.

Technology in a sentence

Engineer

Definition: A person who designs and builds things.

• My brother is an engineer.
• Engineers build bridges and roads.
• She wants to become an engineer.

Engineer in a sentence

Process

Definition: A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a result.

• The process of baking bread takes time.
• She explained the process of making pizza.
• He followed the process carefully to complete his task.

Process in a sentence

Equipment

Definition: Tools or devices used for a specific purpose.

• We need new equipment for the science lab.
• The gym has all the right equipment for workouts.
• She bought equipment for her photography hobby.

Equipment in a sentence

Research

Definition: A careful study to learn more about something.

• We need to do research for our project.
• Her research on animals was fascinating.
• He enjoys research in science.

Research in a sentence

Coolant

Definition: a substance used to lower temperatures

• The car's coolant keeps the engine from overheating.
• He checked the coolant levels before the trip.
• Coolant is essential for machinery operation.

Coolant in a sentence

Maintenance

Definition: the process of keeping something in good condition

• Regular maintenance of the car is necessary.
• The maintenance team fixed the broken equipment.
• They schedule maintenance for the computers often.

Maintenance in a sentence

Efficiency

Definition: The ability to do something with minimum waste of time and resources.

• They improved the efficiency of their study habits.
• Efficiency is key in completing tasks quickly.
• She values efficiency in her daily routine.

Efficiency in a sentence

Output

Definition: The amount of something produced or delivered.

• The factory increased its output to meet demand.
• Their output of products improved this year.
• Understanding output helps in analyzing productivity.

Output in a sentence

Generation

Definition: A group of people born around the same time; also refers to the act of producing.

• Each generation has its own unique experiences.
• My grandparents' generation faced different challenges.
• The new generation is very tech-savvy.

Generation in a sentence

Thermal

Definition: Related to heat; involving temperature.

• Thermal energy warms up the room.
• She wore thermal clothing to stay warm.
• The thermal blanket kept him cozy during the night.

Thermal in a sentence

Emission

Definition: The act of releasing something, especially gases or radiation.

• The emission of carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.
• She monitored the emission levels in the air.
• Understanding emission is crucial for environmental science.

Emission in a sentence

Isotope

Definition: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

• Carbon-14 is an isotope used in dating ancient artifacts.
• The doctor explained how isotopes can be used in medicine.
• Different isotopes can have different properties.

Isotope in a sentence

Fission

Definition: The process of splitting an atomic nucleus to release energy.

• Nuclear fission is used in power plants.
• They studied fission in their physics class.
• Understanding fission is important in energy discussions.

Fission in a sentence

Fusion

Definition: the process of combining different elements into one

• Fusion cuisine blends flavors from various cultures.
• She enjoys the fusion of music styles in her favorite songs.
• Understanding fusion can lead to innovative creations.

Fusion in a sentence

Decay

Definition: the process of rotting or decomposing

• The fruit began to decay after a few days.
• They learned about the decay of organic matter in science.
• Decay can affect the quality of food.

Decay in a sentence

Uranium

Definition: A heavy metal used as fuel in nuclear reactors and in the production of nuclear weapons.

• Uranium is mined from the earth for energy production.
• She learned about the properties of uranium in chemistry.
• Understanding uranium is important for nuclear science.

Uranium in a sentence

Plutonium

Definition: A radioactive chemical element used in nuclear reactors and weapons.

• Plutonium is a key element in nuclear energy.
• Scientists study plutonium for its properties.
• Understanding plutonium is important in chemistry.

Plutonium in a sentence

Containment

Definition: The action of holding something back or limiting its spread.

• Containment of the virus was essential to protect public health.
• The government focused on containment strategies during the outbreak.
• Effective containment can prevent larger problems.

Containment in a sentence

Thermodynamics

Definition: The study of heat and energy transfer.

• Thermodynamics helps explain how engines work.
• He studied thermodynamics in his physics class.
• Understanding thermodynamics is essential for engineers.

Electromagnetic

Definition: related to the interaction of electric and magnetic fields

• Electromagnetic waves include radio and light waves.
• He studied electromagnetic theory in physics class.
• Understanding electromagnetic principles is crucial for technology.

Electromagnetic in a sentence

Particle

Definition: A small, discrete unit of matter; can refer to atoms or subatomic particles.

• A particle is the smallest component of an element.
• He learned about different types of particles in science class.
• Particles can be found everywhere in the universe.

Particle in a sentence

Isotopes

Definition: Multiple forms of an element with varying neutron counts.

• There are several isotopes of hydrogen, like deuterium.
• Scientists study isotopes to understand chemical processes.
• Isotopes can be stable or unstable, depending on their structure.

Thermonuclear

Definition: related to nuclear reactions that occur at high temperatures

• Thermonuclear fusion powers the sun and other stars.
• Scientists research thermonuclear processes for energy.
• Thermonuclear weapons use fusion to create massive explosions.

Thermonuclear in a sentence

Dosimetry

Definition: The measurement and calculation of the dose of radiation absorbed by the body.

• Dosimetry is crucial in radiation therapy.
• He studied dosimetry to ensure patient safety.
• Understanding dosimetry helps in managing radiation exposure.

Dosimetry in a sentence

Criticality

Definition: The importance or significance of something; often refers to a crucial point.

• The criticality of the situation required immediate action.
• They discussed the criticality of safety measures.
• Understanding criticality helps prioritize tasks.

Criticality in a sentence

Shielding

Definition: The act of protecting or blocking something from harm.

• The shielding on the device prevents interference.
• They used shielding to protect the equipment from damage.
• Effective shielding is important in electronics.

Shielding in a sentence

Moderator

Definition: A person who facilitates discussions or manages a group.

• The moderator kept the debate on track and respectful.
• She acted as a moderator during the panel discussion.
• Understanding the role of a moderator is essential for effective communication.

Moderator in a sentence

Entropy

Definition: A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

• Entropy tends to increase in closed systems over time.
• He studied entropy in his physics class.
• Understanding entropy is key in thermodynamics.

Entropy in a sentence

Thermocouple

Definition: a device that measures temperature using two different metals

• The thermocouple displayed the temperature accurately.
• He learned how a thermocouple works in lab.
• Thermocouples are used in many industrial applications.

Thermocouple in a sentence

Spectroscopy

Definition: A technique used to measure and analyze light emitted or absorbed by substances.

• Spectroscopy helps identify the composition of stars.
• She learned about spectroscopy in her physics class.
• Understanding spectroscopy is crucial for studying materials.

Spectroscopy in a sentence

Radiological

Definition: related to the use of radiation, especially in medicine

• Radiological exams help diagnose health issues.
• He works in a radiological department.
• The radiological report showed no abnormalities.

Radiological in a sentence

Transmutation

Definition: the process of changing one element or substance into another

• Transmutation is a concept in chemistry and physics.
• He studied the transmutation of elements in his science class.
• Understanding transmutation can lead to discoveries in nuclear science.

Transmutation in a sentence

Half-life

Definition: the time it takes for half of a substance to decay

• The half-life of carbon-14 is about 5,730 years.
• We learned about half-life in our science class.
• Understanding half-life helps in studying radioactive materials.

Half-life in a sentence

Radiotherapy

Definition: the treatment of disease using radiation

• Radiotherapy is often used for cancer treatment.
• She underwent radiotherapy to shrink the tumor.
• The doctor explained the radiotherapy process to him.

Radiotherapy in a sentence

Spectrometry

Definition: The technique of measuring and analyzing the interaction of light with matter.

• Spectrometry is essential in chemistry for identifying compounds.
• He studied spectrometry to understand molecular structures.
• They used spectrometry to examine the samples.

Spectrometry in a sentence

Gamma

Definition: a type of radiation or a measure in statistics

• Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation.
• He studied the gamma in his physics class.
• The gamma distribution is used in statistics.

Gamma in a sentence

Beta

Definition: A term used in finance to describe the volatility of an investment relative to the market.

• The beta of the stock indicates its risk level.
• Investors consider beta when making decisions.
• A high beta means higher risk and potential reward.

Beta in a sentence

Alpha

Definition: The first letter of the Greek alphabet; often used to denote the first or dominant.

• The alpha male leads the pack.
• In finance, alpha refers to performance above the market.
• He is considered the alpha of the team.

Alpha in a sentence

Photon

Definition: A particle of light; the smallest unit of light energy.

• A photon carries energy and travels at the speed of light.
• He studied photons in his physics class.
• Photons are fundamental to understanding light.

Photon in a sentence

Accelerator

Definition: a device or mechanism that increases speed

• The accelerator on his bike was broken.
• She pressed the accelerator to go faster.
• In physics class, they learned about particle accelerators.

Accelerator in a sentence

Waste

Definition: Unwanted materials or substances; to use carelessly.

• They recycle waste to help the environment.
• Don't waste food; take only what you can eat.
• The factory produces a lot of waste.

Waste in a sentence

Disposal

Definition: The act of getting rid of something; the process of throwing away or discarding.

• Proper disposal of waste is important for the environment.
• They discussed waste disposal methods in class.
• Understanding disposal helps in keeping spaces clean.

Disposal in a sentence

Reprocessing

Definition: the act of processing something again

• Reprocessing waste materials helps reduce pollution.
• They focused on reprocessing old documents into digital files.
• The reprocessing of the data took several hours.

Reprocessing in a sentence

Protocol

Definition: A set of rules or procedures to be followed in certain situations.

• The protocol for the experiment was carefully followed.
• They established a protocol for handling emergencies.
• Understanding the protocol is important for safety.

Protocol in a sentence

Regulation

Definition: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

• The regulation ensures safety.
• They followed the regulation carefully.
• New regulation was introduced for better practices.

Regulation in a sentence

Decommissioning

Definition: The process of taking something out of service, often used for equipment or facilities.

• The decommissioning of the old plant took several months.
• They are responsible for the decommissioning of the reactor.
• Decommissioning must follow strict regulations.

Decommissioning in a sentence

Hazard

Definition: a source of danger

• The wet floor is a hazard in the hall.
• He identified the hazard before starting the project.
• There are many hazards in the construction site.

Hazard in a sentence

Assessment

Definition: An evaluation or test to measure knowledge or skills.

• The teacher gave an assessment to check our progress.
• We will have a math assessment next week.
• Assessments help identify areas to improve.

Assessment in a sentence

Isotopic

Definition: Relating to or characterized by isotopes.

• Isotopic analysis helps determine the age of rocks.
• The isotopic composition of the sample was measured.
• He learned about isotopic ratios in his chemistry class.

Isotopic in a sentence

Radiance

Definition: light or brightness emitted by something

• The radiance of the sunset was breathtaking.
• Her smile had a radiance that lit up the room.
• The radiance of the stars made the night sky magical.

Radiance in a sentence

Neutron Flux

Definition: The rate at which neutrons pass through a specified area.

• Neutron flux is important in nuclear reactors.
• They measured neutron flux during the experiment.
• Understanding neutron flux helps in safety assessments.

Thermodynamic

Definition: related to the study of heat and energy transfer

• Thermodynamic principles govern how engines work.
• He studied thermodynamic laws in physics class.
• Understanding thermodynamic concepts is essential for engineers.

Thermodynamic in a sentence

Equilibrium

Definition: A state of balance between opposing forces or influences.

• The ecosystem maintains equilibrium through various interactions.
• He found equilibrium in his life by balancing work and leisure.
• Understanding equilibrium is essential in science and nature.

Equilibrium in a sentence

Kinetics

Definition: the study of forces and motion

• Kinetics helps us understand how objects move.
• He learned about kinetics in his physics class.
• Understanding kinetics is essential for engineering.

Kinetics in a sentence

Reactor Core

Definition: The central part of a nuclear reactor where reactions occur.

• The reactor core contains the fuel rods.
• Monitoring the reactor core is essential for safety.
• Damage to the reactor core can be catastrophic.

Fuel Assembly

Definition: a group of fuel rods used in nuclear reactors

• The fuel assembly provides energy for the reactor.
• They inspected the fuel assembly for safety.
• A fuel assembly is crucial for power generation.

Fuel Assembly in a sentence

Neutron Activation

Definition: A process by which a stable nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes radioactive.

• Neutron activation is used in various scientific applications.
• They studied neutron activation for material analysis.
• Understanding neutron activation is important in nuclear science.

Monitoring

Definition: The act of observing or checking something regularly.

• The teacher is monitoring students' progress in class.
• They use monitoring to ensure safety in the lab.
• Understanding monitoring helps in effective management.

Monitoring in a sentence

Instrumentation

Definition: The use of instruments to measure or control processes.

• Instrumentation is essential in scientific experiments.
• The laboratory has advanced instrumentation for research.
• He learned about instrumentation in his engineering course.

Instrumentation in a sentence

Thermodynamics.

Definition: the study of heat and energy transfer

• Thermodynamics is important in many scientific fields.
• He enjoys learning about thermodynamics in physics.
• Understanding thermodynamics helps in various applications.

Electromagnetism

Definition: The branch of physics that deals with electric and magnetic fields.

• Electromagnetism is fundamental to modern technology.
• He learned about electromagnetism in his physics class.
• Understanding electromagnetism is crucial for engineers.

Electromagnetism in a sentence

Enrichment

Definition: Activities or programs that enhance learning and development; improvement.

• The enrichment program offers additional classes for students.
• He enjoys enrichment activities during summer camp.
• They provide enrichment opportunities for gifted children.

Enrichment in a sentence

Neutronflux

Definition: The number of neutrons passing through a unit area in a given time; important in nuclear physics.

• The neutron flux is measured to ensure safety in reactors.
• She learned about neutron flux in her lab.
• High neutron flux can lead to material changes.

Radiochemistry

Definition: the chemistry of radioactive materials

• Radiochemistry plays a critical role in energy production.
• He is pursuing a degree in radiochemistry.
• The course on radiochemistry covers both theory and practical applications.

Radiochemistry in a sentence

Reactorcore

Definition: The core of a nuclear reactor (same as reactor core).

• The reactorcore is where the energy is produced.
• We studied the components of the reactorcore.
• The reactorcore must be carefully maintained.

Fuelcycle

Definition: the sequence of processes involving fuel production and consumption

• The fuelcycle is important for energy planning.
• They studied the fuelcycle in their environmental class.
• Understanding the fuelcycle can help in resource management.

Radioprotection

Definition: the protection from harmful effects of radiation

• Radioprotection measures are crucial in labs.
• They studied radioprotection methods to ensure safety.
• The team implemented radioprotection protocols during the experiment.

Radioprotection in a sentence

Radiotoxicity

Definition: the harmful effects of radiation on living tissues

• Radiotoxicity is a concern for workers in nuclear plants.
• The study measured the radiotoxicity of the substance.
• They discussed the radiotoxicity of various materials.

Neutroncapture

Definition: A nuclear reaction where a neutron is absorbed by a nucleus, forming a heavier nucleus.

• Neutron capture plays a key role in creating elements.
• He studied neutron capture in his chemistry course.
• Understanding neutron capture helps in nuclear science.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Definition: plural of radiopharmaceutical; radioactive drugs

• Radiopharmaceuticals are used in various medical tests.
• The hospital stocks different radiopharmaceuticals.
• She works with radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.

Subcritical

Definition: Referring to a state that is below the critical threshold; often used in nuclear science.

• The reactor was in a subcritical state during safety tests.
• Subcritical systems are essential for certain experiments.
• They monitored the subcritical levels carefully.

Supercritical

Definition: a state where a substance is above its critical temperature and pressure

• Supercritical fluids are used in various industrial processes.
• The supercritical state allows for unique properties.
• He learned about supercritical extraction in chemistry class.

Supercritical in a sentence

Thermoelectric

Definition: related to the generation of electricity through temperature differences

• Thermoelectric materials can convert heat into electricity.
• He studied thermoelectric devices in his engineering class.
• The thermoelectric effect is interesting for energy solutions.

Thermoelectric in a sentence

Radiometric

Definition: related to measuring radiation

• Radiometric dating helps determine the age of fossils.
• The scientists used radiometric techniques in their research.
• Her work involves radiometric analysis of samples.

Radiolysis

Definition: the breakdown of molecules by radiation

• Radiolysis can produce free radicals.
• The study focused on the effects of radiolysis.
• Radiolysis occurs in water when exposed to radiation.

Radiolysis in a sentence

Radiative

Definition: relating to the emission of energy as radiation

• Radiative processes are key in understanding astronomy.
• The scientist studied radiative heat transfer.
• Radiative cooling is an important concept in physics.

Radiative in a sentence

Ionizing

Definition: Referring to radiation that can remove electrons from atoms.

• Ionizing radiation can be harmful to living cells.
• They learned about ionizing radiation in health class.
• Understanding ionizing effects is crucial in safety.

Ionizing in a sentence

Nonionizing

Definition: referring to radiation that does not ionize atoms

• Nonionizing radiation includes visible light and radio waves.
• The safety of nonionizing radiation is often discussed.
• Understanding nonionizing radiation helps in health discussions.

Neutronactivation

Definition: A process where materials are exposed to neutrons, causing them to become radioactive.

• Neutron activation is used in various scientific experiments.
• She learned about neutron activation in her physics class.
• The method of neutron activation helps analyze samples.