When an element has atoms that differ in the number of neutrons, these atoms are called different isotopes of the element. The nuclear forces that hold the nucleus of an atom together, at nuclear distances, are usually stronger than the electric forces that would make it fly apart. Nuclear reactions convert a fraction of the mass of interacting particles into energy, and they can release much greater amounts of energy than atomic interactions. The decay of any one nucleus cannot be predicted, but a large group of identical nuclei decay at a predictable rate. This predictability can be used to estimate the age of materials that contain radioactive isotopes.
Fission is the splitting of a large nucleus into smaller pieces.
Fusion is the joining of two nuclei at extremely high temperature and pressure, and is the process responsible for the energy of the sun and other stars. You will be able to use a survey to learn more about nuclear-related phenomena. You will be able to distinguish between ionizing and non ionizing radiation and their biological effects. You will be able to discuss general properties of electromagnetic radiation, and specific properties of various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. You will be able to describe the experiments of Roentgen, Becquerel, the Curies, and Rutherford, and explain how they led to modifications in the atomic modes.