the atomic nucleus/nuclear chemistry

nuclear structure

protons and neutrons

atomic #

number of protons or charge

isotopes

same element but different mass number

strong nuclear force

binds protons and neutrons together

weak nuclear force

responsible for nuclear decay

mass number

number of protons and neutrons together

alpha decay

reduces mass number (when nuclei is too large)

⁴₂a

beta decay/emission

neutron to proton formation due to too many neutrons

⁰_-1B

positron emission

proton to neutrons, too many protons or low neutrons

₊₁⁰B

electron capture

proton to neutron, low neutrons

_-1⁰e