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Isotope
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Atomic number
The number of protons in a nucleus which cannot change during chemical reactions.
Mass number
The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
Radioactivity
The process by which substances spontaneously emit rays and particles (radiation).
Alpha radiation
Radiation consisting of helium nuclei emitted from a radioactive source, with a positive charge.
Beta radiation
Radiation resulting from the breaking apart of a neutron into a proton and an electron, allowing it to pass through materials more easily than alpha particles.
Gamma radiation
A high energy photon emitted by a radioisotope, having no mass or charge and capable of passing through substances easily.
Radioactive decay
The process by which an unstable nucleus emits radiation and energy to achieve a more stable state.
Radioisotope
An unstable radioactive isotope that transforms into a stable (nonradioactive) isotope of a different element.
Nuclear reactions
Processes that involve changes in the nucleus of an atom, which are not affected by temperature, pressure, or catalysts.
