| A | B |
|---|
| Nuclide | an atom that has a specific atomic number and atomic mass |
| Radioactivity | the spontaneous release of energy and particles from the nucleus of an atom |
| Isotopes | atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons |
| Radiation | the transfer of energy by waves as particles are released from a decaying nucleus |
| Alpha particles | a wave of energy traveling as particles that contain two protons and two neutrons |
| X-ray | energy produced by slowing down a beta particle |
| Beta particle | a wave of energy as an electron is given off by a radioisotope |
| Gamma rays | waves of energy given off by radioisotopes |
| Radioactive decay | when a radioactive atom releases particles from the nucleus, and it changes into an atom of another element |
| Nuclear fission | splitting the nucleus of an atom into smaller pieces |
