| A | B |
|---|
| radioiootopes | Isotopes of atoms with unstable nucleus |
| nuclear fission | splitting of a nucleus into smaller more stable fragments, large release of energy |
| nuclear fusion | binding of two or more smaller nuclei into a single more stable nucleus |
| transmutation | a nuclear reaction, involves converting the atom of one element into another element |
| nucleons | particles in the nucleus which are the positive protons, and neutral neutrons |
| radioactive decay | spontaneous process in which unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation |
| half-life | time required for one-half of a radioisotope's nucleus to decay into products |
| alpha particle | type of radiation that emits a helium atom |
