absolutescale（ absolutescale）.doc

Absolute scale See Kelvin scale. Absolute zero Absolute zero is the lowest temperature possible, at which all motion, even subatomic, ceases. Absolute zero is theoretically - 273.15 C, 0 Kelvin, -459.67 F or 0 Rankine. AcceleratorSee Particle accelerator. Acid An acid is a chemical compound which contains hydrogen and which releases hydrogen ions (H+). See also Base and Neutral. Alkali Earth Metals Alkali earth metals is the group of six elements which make up the old IIA group (simply column 2 for IUPAC) of the periodic table. These six elements, Beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium, are all highly reactive with a oxidation state of +2. Alkali Metals Alkali metals is the group of six elements which make up part of the old IA group (simply column 1 for IUPAC) of the periodic table. These six elements, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium, are all highly reactive and form singly- charged positive ions. All elements in this group react violently with water to form hydroxides. Alpha particle An alpha particle is a subatomic particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Alpha particles are emitted during the course of radioactive decay of some elements. Alpha ray An alpha ray consists of a stream of Alpha particles. ?ngstr?m unit An ?ngstr?m is a measurement unit of length equal to one hundred-millionth (10-8) of a centimeter. Named after Anders Jonas ?ngstr?m (1814-1874). Antielectrons See Positrons. Antimatter Antimatter is matter which is a mirror image of normal matter, consisting of particles of opposite charge, spin, and/or magnetic polarity. Once hypothetical matter, antimatter can now be artificially created in minute quantities at the expenditure of huge amounts of energy. In the future it is hoped that antimatter may be a viable source of energy, but today it requires more energy to pro