A Level Physics Practice Exam

The term used to describe each type of nucleus is "nuclide." A nuclide is defined as a distinct species of atom characterized by its number of protons (which determines the atomic number) and its number of neutrons (which along with protons makes up the atomic mass). This designation includes stable and unstable isotopes. Understanding the concept of nuclides is critical in nuclear physics and chemistry, as it provides a way to categorize all the possible nuclear species based on their unique combinations of protons and neutrons. By precisely identifying nuclides, scientists can analyze radioactivity, nuclear decay, and various types of nuclear reactions. In contrast, while "isotope" refers specifically to variants of a particular element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, it does not encompass all possible variations of atomic nuclei. Therefore, although related, "isotope" is a narrower term than "nuclide." The terms "nucleus type" and "atom type" are not standard terminology in nuclear science to classify different nuclei. Thus, “nuclide” is the most accurate term for describing each type of nucleus.