| A | B |
|---|
| Nuclide | another term for an atom |
| Nucleon | term for a proton or neutron |
| Mass Defect | The difference between the mass of an atom and the sum of the masses of its p+, n0 and e- |
| Band of Stability | The stable nuclei cluster over a range of neutron-proton ratio |
| Nuclear Binding Energy | The change in energy when a nucleus is formed |
| Transmutation | A change in the identity of a nucleus as a result of a change in the number of protons |
| Nuclear Reaction | A reaction that affects the nucleus of an atom |
| Radioactive Decay | The spontaneous disintegration of a nucleus into a slightly lighter and more stable nucleus |
| Alpha Particle | A helium nucleus |
| Beta Particle | An electron emitted from the nucleus |
| Positron | A postivily charged electron emitted from the nucleus |
| Electron Capture | An inner orbital electron is captured by the nucleus, combined with a p+ to form a n0 |
| Gamma Ray | Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus |
| Half-life | The time required for half the atoms of a radioactive nuclide to decay |
| Parent Nuclide | The heaviest nuclide of each decay series |
| Daughter Nuclide | A nuclide produced by the decay of a parent nuclide |
| rem | The quantity of ionizing radiation that does as much damage to human tissue as 1 roentgen |
| Roentgen | A unit used to measure nuclear radiation |
| Fusion | A light mass nuclei combine to form a heavier, more stable nucleus |
| Fission | A very heavy nucleus splits into more stable nuclei of intermediate mass |
