chem99

Atomic number (Z)

Number of protons in an atom.

Mass number (A)

Total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Nucleons

Collective term for protons and neutrons in a nucleus.

Isotopes

Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Nuclide

Nucleus of a specific isotope, characterized by its number of protons and neutrons.

Nuclear reaction

A reaction that changes the atomic nucleus, often converting one element into another.

Chemical reaction

A process that rearranges outer-shell electrons but does not change the nucleus.

Alpha particle

A helium nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Beta particle

An electron emitted during the decay of a radioactive substance.

Gamma radiation

High-energy electromagnetic waves with no mass.

Radioisotope

An unstable isotope that emits radiation as it decays to a stable form.

Transmutation

The process of changing one element into another through a nuclear reaction.

Alpha emission (α)

The release of an alpha particle from a nucleus.

Beta emission (β)

The release of an electron from a nucleus during neutron decomposition.

Positron emission

The conversion of a proton to a neutron, resulting in the ejection of a positron.

Electron capture

The process of a nucleus capturing an inner-shell electron, converting a proton into a neutron.

Half-life (t1/2)

The time required for half of a radioactive sample to decay.

Ionizing radiation

High-energy radiation that can create reactive ions by removing tightly bound electrons.

Artificial transmutation

The creation of a new element by nuclear bombardment.

Nuclear fission

The splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Nuclear fusion

The joining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Critical mass

The minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.