Nuclear Equation - GCSE Physics Definition

A nuclear equation is a way of showing what happens during a nuclear reaction, where the nucleus of an atom changes to form a different element or isotope. It shows the starting materials on the left side and the end products on the right side. In a nuclear equation, we also balance the number of protons and neutrons, which are the particles found in the nucleus of an atom. This helps us understand how atoms transform into each other during processes like radioactive decay or when nuclear energy is released. The equations often involve symbols for elements, numbers to show atomic mass and atomic number, and particles such as alpha or beta particles. Gamma rays are also involved in nuclear equations.