What are Nuclides and How Do They Differ from Each Other?

Nuclides are atoms that have the same number of protons in their atomic nucleus. Protons are positively charged particles that reside in the nucleus of an atom, and they determine the chemical properties of an element.

For example, all atoms of carbon have six protons in their nucleus, so they are all considered to be carbon-12, or simply carbon. Similarly, all atoms of hydrogen have one proton in their nucleus, so they are all considered to be hydrogen-1.

Nuclides can be either stable or unstable. Stable nuclides do not undergo radioactive decay, while unstable nuclides do undergo radioactive decay over time. Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus decays into a more stable nucleus, releasing energy in the form of radiation.

Examples of nuclides include:

* Carbon-12 (stable)
* Hydrogen-1 (stable)
* Uranium-238 (unstable, undergoes radioactive decay)
* Plutonium-239 (unstable, undergoes radioactive decay)

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.