Astrophysics (Index)About

nuclide

(nuclear species)
(atomic nucleus associated with a specific isotope)

The term nuclide (or nuclear species) refers to an atomic nucleus that has specific numbers of protons and neutrons. Equivalently, it is a nucleus with a specific atomic number (Z) and mass number (A). A different (type of) nuclide would imply a different isotope or a different element. The term is common in descriptions of nucleosynthesis (the construction or modification of a nuclei) if the specific number of electrons is not relevant.

There may be more than one possible arrangement of the protons and neutrons in a nuclide, and the term nuclear isomer refers to a specific arrangement (typically associated with an energy level of the nucleus). Some nuclear isomers are more stable than others, and after a nuclear reaction producing one, it may later settle into the more stable configuration. Such settling releases energy which may take the form of a gamma-ray photon or if an atom, it may eject one of its electrons.


Wikipedia now explains usages of nuclide that differ slightly from the above description:


(physics,nucleosynthesis,atoms)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_isomer
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nuclide
https://www.britannica.com/science/nuclide
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Atomic_Theory/Nuclide%2C_Atomic_Number%2C_mass_number

Referenced by pages:
bracket notation
isotope
nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE)
radioactive dating
radioactive decay
radioactivity

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