| A | B |
|---|
| radioactivity | release of energy and matter, changing the nucleus |
| alpha particle | weakest type of radiation - 2 protons and 2 neutrons |
| beta particle | released during beta decay |
| gamma ray | strongest type of radiation, can penetrate lead |
| nuclear strong force | force that overcomes repulsive force of protons |
| binding energy | energy that binds the nucleus together |
| radioactive decay | unstable nucleus breaks down to become more stable |
| transmutation | process in which one element is changed into another |
| half-life | time it takes for half the atoms to decay |
| decay series | steps by which a radioactive nucleus decays |
