Nuclide: Difference between revisions
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Sometimes referred to as a "nuclear species", a '''nuclide''' is a species of [[atom]] that has a particular number and arrangement of [[protons]] and [[neutrons]] in it's [[nucleus]]. A nuclide is also characterized by it's | Sometimes referred to as a "nuclear species", a '''nuclide''' is a [[species]] of [[atom]] that has a particular number and arrangement of [[protons]] and [[neutrons]] in it's [[nucleus]]. A nuclide is also characterized by it's [[atomic mass|mass]], [[atomic number]] (also called "Z", the number of protons), [[mass defect]], and [[nuclear binding energy]]. | ||
If two nuclides have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons they are considered two different [[isotopes]] of the same [[chemical element]]. For this reason the term nuclide is often used interchangeably with isotope. | |||
Nuclides can be stable or unstable. When unstable, one type of nuclide spontaneously transforms into another type according to a set statistical formula. This process emits [[radiation]]. The rate at which a radioactive nuclide decays is indicated by it's [[half-life]]. | |||
Nuclides may decay by different types of nuclear radiation. [[Alpha decay]] occurs when the nucleus emits two protons and two neutrons (a <sup>4</sup>[[Helium]] nucleus). The <sup>238</sup>[[Uranium]] nuclide decays by alpha particle emission according to the scheme: <sup>238</sup>U---><sup>234</sup>[[Thorium|Th]] + <sup>4</sup>[[Helium|He]] where the energy released in the transformation is Q=4.25[[Electron volt|MeV]]. | |||
Other types of nuclear emissions can be [[electrons]] and [[positrons]], which are grouped together as [[Beta radiation|beta decay]], and high energy [[photon]] emission called [[gamma radiation|gamma decay]]. | |||
Revision as of 06:07, 18 May 2010
Sometimes referred to as a "nuclear species", a nuclide is a species of atom that has a particular number and arrangement of protons and neutrons in it's nucleus. A nuclide is also characterized by it's mass, atomic number (also called "Z", the number of protons), mass defect, and nuclear binding energy.
If two nuclides have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons they are considered two different isotopes of the same chemical element. For this reason the term nuclide is often used interchangeably with isotope.
Nuclides can be stable or unstable. When unstable, one type of nuclide spontaneously transforms into another type according to a set statistical formula. This process emits radiation. The rate at which a radioactive nuclide decays is indicated by it's half-life.
Nuclides may decay by different types of nuclear radiation. Alpha decay occurs when the nucleus emits two protons and two neutrons (a 4Helium nucleus). The 238Uranium nuclide decays by alpha particle emission according to the scheme: 238U--->234Th + 4He where the energy released in the transformation is Q=4.25MeV.
Other types of nuclear emissions can be electrons and positrons, which are grouped together as beta decay, and high energy photon emission called gamma decay.