Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

• The structure of the atomic nucleus:

  • Nucleus consists of protons and neutrons held together by an extremely strong, short-range force.
  • Z = Atomic Number (number of protons)
  • N = Neutron Number
  • A = Atomic Weight (total of neutrons and protons)
  • Isotopes: Nuclei with same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons.

Notes: