Glossary
A
ANSCHLUSS
Annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in March 1938. This event forced Lise Meitner, an Austrian scientist of Jewish origin, to flee Germany where she had worked since 1907, in order to escape persecution.
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The basic unit of matter, composed of a central nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. The smallest part of a chemical element that retains its properties.
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MATILDA EFFECT
The phenomenon of minimizing or systematically erasing women’s scientific contributions, often attributing them to male colleagues. Named after Matilda Joslyn Gage.
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Energy released during nuclear reactions (fission or fusion). Used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants, without direct CO₂ emissions.
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NUCLEAR FISSION
A reaction in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy and neutrons. This phenomenon was explained by Lise Meitner in 1938.
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ISOTOPE
A variant of a chemical element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Example: uranium-235 and uranium-238.
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MEITNERIUM (MT)
A synthetic chemical element with atomic number 109, named in honor of Lise Meitner in 1997. It represents a late but symbolic recognition of her major contribution to nuclear physics.
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NEUTRON
A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge. Neutrons play a key role in nuclear fission by striking uranium nuclei.
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GLASS CEILING
An invisible barrier that prevents women from accessing positions of power and decision-making, despite their skills and qualifications.
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An international award granted annually since 1901 in several fields (physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, economics).
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A positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the chemical identity of an element.
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CHAIN REACTION
A process in which neutrons released by a fission cause further fissions, creating a cascade of reactions. It can be controlled (reactor) or uncontrolled (bomb).
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STEM
An English acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It refers to scientific and technical fields in which women remain underrepresented, despite recent progress.
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URANIUM-235
A fissile isotope of uranium used in nuclear reactors and atomic weapons. When struck by a neutron, it splits and releases energy.
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