Introductory Nuclear Physics Today

: The process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

: The splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller parts, releasing a massive amount of energy. Introductory Nuclear Physics

: This is the energy required to hold the nucleus together. It is calculated using Einstein's mass-energy equation , : The process by which an unstable nucleus

, based on the "mass defect" (the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of its individual components). Fundamental Interactions Introductory Nuclear Physics

: Responsible for specific radioactive processes, such as beta decay . Key Nuclear Processes

: The nucleus consists of hadrons : protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral charge). Atomic Number (

, which is significantly higher than bulk material densities.