AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/623-nuclides
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Quick Reference
Also Known As
Nuclide, nuclear species, specific isotope, radioactive or stable nuclide
What is Nuclides?
Atomic species characterized by specific numbers of protons (Z) and neutrons (N) in their nuclei. Each nuclide has a unique combination of atomic number and mass number. Stable nuclides do not undergo radioactive decay; unstable (radioactive) nuclides decay over time.
Properties & Characteristics
A nuclide is a species of atom characterised by its specific nuclear composition: a specific number of protons (Z, atomic number) and neutrons (N = A − Z, neutron number). Each nuclide is a specific nuclear entity — ¹²₆C and ¹³₆C are different nuclides of the same element (carbon). Nuclides can be stable (over 250 exist) or radioactive (~3000 known). The chart of nuclides (nuclear map) plots all known nuclides by N and Z.
Uses & Applications
Nuclide concepts are used in: nuclear medicine (specifying exactly which radioactive nuclide: ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸F-FDG), nuclear physics research, radiometric dating (¹⁴C, ²³⁸U decay series), nuclear reactor design (choosing nuclides for fuel, moderators, shielding), and isotope geochemistry.
Safety Information
Individual nuclides differ enormously in radiation type, energy, and half-life. Selecting the correct nuclide for an application requires balancing desired properties (gamma energy for imaging, beta range for therapy) against radiation exposure to patients and staff. Incorrect nuclide use in medicine or research can cause serious harm.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
SynonymsNuclide, nuclear species, specific isotope, radioactive or stable nuclide
Frequently Asked Questions
Atomic species characterized by specific numbers of protons (Z) and neutrons (N) in their nuclei. Each nuclide has a unique combination of atomic number and mass number. Stable nuclides do not undergo radioactive decay; unstable (radioactive) nuclides decay over time.
Nuclide concepts are used in: nuclear medicine (specifying exactly which radioactive nuclide: ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸F-FDG), nuclear physics research, radiometric dating (¹⁴C, ²³⁸U decay series), nuclear reactor design (choosing nuclides for fuel, moderators, shielding), and isotope geochemistry.
Individual nuclides differ enormously in radiation type, energy, and half-life. Selecting the correct nuclide for an application requires balancing desired properties (gamma energy for imaging, beta range for therapy) against radiation exposure to patients and staff. Incorrect nuclide use in medicin…
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
