Writing, Pain Management, Nutrition,
Exercise, Gender Affirming Care, Pain
Questions and Answers| Updated 2025.
Atomic Mass
The mass of an atom, including its protons, neutrons, and electrons. It is usually expressed in atomic
mass units (amu).
Atomic mass unit
The unit of measure used to express the mass of an atom, defined as one-twelfth the mass of an
atom of carbon-12.
atomic number
The number of protons in an atom. Each element has a unique atomic number, that stays constant,
which allows it to be used to identify an atom.
Mass number
The total number of protons plus neutrons of an atom.
Isotopes
Elements whose atoms have the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons.
isotopic notation
A method of notation used to express the identity of an atom. It lists the atomic number, and mass
number.
nuclear chemistry
The area of chemistry that deals with radioactivity, and reactions involving radioactive material.
radioactivity
When particles and rays are emitted from a nuclei.
alpha particle
A particle identical to a helium nucleus, composed of two protons and two neutrons bound together.
beta particle
An electron or positron emitted during beta decay.
gamma ray
High frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from an atom's nucleus.
, alpha decay
The process in which an atomic nucleus decays and emits an alpha particle.
radioactive dating
Measuring the difference between the initial amount of radioactive material and the current
amount, and using the rate of decay to determine its age.
nuclear bombardment reaction
A reaction caused by the bombardment of a nucleus by atomic particles or other nuclei.
nuclear fission
A nuclear reaction in which an atom's nucleus is split, releasing large amounts of energy.
chain reaction
A series of reactions that are triggered by the splitting of a nucleus. This releases neutrons, which
then split other nuclei, releasing more neutrons.
theory of relativity
There is a proportional relationship between mass and energy, and when energy is released mass is
lost.
nuclear fusion
A nuclear reaction in which multiple atomic nuclei are combined to form a larger one.
Acid
A substance with a pH less than 7, that donates a hydrogen ion when dissolved in water.
Ionization
The process of turning an atom or molecule into an ion, by adding or removing charged particles.
hydronium ion
H3O+, created by the addition of a hydrogen ion (H+) to a water molecule (H2O).
hydroxide ion
OH-, a covalently bonded oxygen and hydrogen that is usually formed during the dissociation of a
base.
base
A substance with a pH of 8 or greater, that accepts protons.
Indicators
A pH indicator is a compound that changes color in the presence of an acid or base.
pH scale
A scale that measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, based on the concentration of hydronium
ions.