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Browse key terms and definitions across all GCSE subjects. Search by keyword or filter by subject and exam board.
23,110 key terms
Nuclear family
A family consisting of a couple and their dependent children.
Nuclear family
A family consisting of parents and their children, rather than an extended household including other relatives.
Nuclear fission
The splitting of a large, unstable atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei, with the release of neutrons, gamma rays and energy.
Nuclear fission
The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
Nuclear fuel
Material used in nuclear reactions to release energy; fuels such as uranium are finite and therefore non-renewable.
Nuclear fuel
A material used to release energy through nuclear reactions, usually to provide heat for electricity generation.
Nuclear fusion
The joining of light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
Nuclear mass
The mass of an atom’s nucleus, contributed by the protons and neutrons it contains.
Nuclear model
A model in which an atom has a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons around it.
Nuclear model
A model in which an atom has a tiny, positively charged central nucleus surrounded by electrons, with most of the atom being empty space.
Nuclear model
A model in which an atom has a tiny, positively charged central nucleus containing most of its mass, with electrons around it and mostly empty space between.
Nuclear notation
A standard way of representing an isotope using its chemical symbol, mass number and atomic number.
Nuclear notation
A way of representing an atom using its element symbol, with its mass number at the upper left and atomic number at the lower left: .
Nuclear parity
Broadly comparable nuclear strength between rival powers; it does not require identical numbers of weapons.
Nuclear power
The generation of electricity using energy released by reactions in atomic nuclei.
Nuclear proliferation
The spread of nuclear weapons to additional countries.
Nuclear radiation
Radiation emitted by unstable atomic nuclei.
Nuclear radiation
Particles or electromagnetic waves emitted from an atomic nucleus.
Nuclear reaction
A change involving an atomic nucleus, which can release energy as particles or electromagnetic radiation.
Nuclear reactor
The part of a nuclear power station where a controlled fission chain reaction releases thermal energy.
Nuclear rearrangement
A change in the arrangement of protons and neutrons within a nucleus, without changing their total numbers.
Nuclear symbol
A compact representation of a nucleus showing its element symbol, mass number and atomic number, written .
Nuclear symbol
A representation showing an element’s chemical symbol with its mass number at the top left and atomic number at the bottom left. An ion’s charge is shown at the top right.
Nuclear weapon
A weapon that releases energy from changes within atomic nuclei, producing far greater destructive power than conventional explosives.
Nuclear weapon
A weapon that releases energy from nuclear reactions and can cause destruction and loss of life on a massive scale.
Nucleated settlement
A settlement in which buildings are grouped closely together.
Nucleon
A proton or neutron; both are particles found in an atomic nucleus.
Nucleon
A proton or neutron in an atomic nucleus.
Nucleon
A proton or neutron in an atomic nucleus.
Nucleotide
A repeating unit of DNA containing a sugar, a phosphate group and one base.
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