The total number of components of a nucleus is known as the nuclear or mass number (A). A nucleon is a proton or neutron. The number of protons are known is known as the proton number or atomic number (Z).
Nuclide Notation
If X represents an element containing A nucleons and Z protons than an atom of the element can be indicated symbolically. This notation is used in writing nuclear equations during nuclear changes.
Isotopes
Isotopes of an element are atoms which have the same proton number but different nucleon numbers. Isotopes have identical chemical properties.
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
Radioactive decay can be displayed in nuclear equation in which a parent nuclide X (unstable) changes into a daughter Y (stable) with the emission of an alpha or beta particle or gamma rays. To represent these types of radioactive decay there are three types of equations; Alpha-decay, Beta-decay and gamma-decay.
Radioisotopes
Naturally occurring radioactive elements such as radium and uranium have high nuclear numbers. By means of a nuclear reactor, it is possible to make artificial radioactive isotopes by colliding lighter nuclides with protons, neutrons or alpha particles. Radioisotopes have many important applications in medicine, industry and agriculture.