| Mass Number is the sum of the nucleons in a given nucleus of the sum of the protons and neutrons in a nucleus. |
| A metastable nucleus is a nucleus that has some slight excess of energy. The system has probably ejected one or more particles during normal radioactive decay. There is still a slight excess of energy in the system. This is a metastable system. This slight excess of energy is released as gamma radiation. |
| Nuclei like to maintain a specific ratio of neutrons-to-protons. If this ratio is not achieved, then the system will experience some level of instability. Generally, the first twenty elements prefer a ratio of one-to-one. Elements beyond the first twenty will prefer more neutrons than protons. Consequently, the ratio will be a number that is greater than one. The preferred value for that ratio is not well-defined. |
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Nucleons are the primary sub-atomic particles found in a nucleus. They are the protons and neutrons.
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| Nuclide is the general term for any isotope of an element. As an example, an atom of phosphorus with 15 protons and 15 neutrons is a specific isotope of phosphorus. It could also be called a nuclide of phosphorus. If an isotope had 15 protons and 16 neutrons, it could also be referred to as a different nuclide of phosphorus. When talking about a single nuclear species, the term nuclide is often used. |
| Radioactivity is the spontaneous decomposition of an unstable nucleus into a more stable nucleus. It becomes a more stable nucleus by releasing fragments or energy. Sometimes it releases both. In essence, if a nucleus has some sort of a sturctural flaw then it is unstable. That flaw may be the wrong combinations of protons and neutrons. The flaw may be a problem with the level of energy in the system. Whatever the flaw, if it is severe enough, the nucleus will try to correct the problem. This process of correcting the problem is known as radioactive decay. |
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kdrews@bcpl.net |  |