Table of Nuclides

Atoms are the building blocks of the universe, and each atom has a central core, or nucleus. A nuclide is a specific kind of species of nuclei, and is characterized according to the make-up of its protons, neutrons, and its energy state. Generally, nuclides are any nuclei with at least one electron in orbit. The table of the nuclides (or chart of the nuclides), is a two-dimensional graph, with one axis representing the number of neutrons, and the other axis represents the number of protons in an atomic nucleus. The table shows both real and hypothetical chemical elements, and may be more useful than the periodic table, in that the table of the nuclides characterizes isotopes rather than only the elements. 

The following resources will aid the scientist and the student alike learn more about the table of nuclides, as well as understand it. 

What are Neutrons and Protons?

  • Protons and Neutrons: This site is an in-depth explanation of the make up of protons and neutrons, and is produced by Georgia State University. It includes graphs, diagrams, and equations, as well as in-text links that define terms like "quarks" and "baryons," in order to streamline students' understanding. 
  • The Roles of Protons and Neutrons in the Atom: If you need some basic information regarding the structure of atoms, in addition to brief explanations of protons and neutrons, this resource will be helpful. Additionally, the site briefly explains electrons and isotopes, which will be useful to understand for further study of the table of the nuclides. 
  • Video Portrayal of Protons, Neutrons: A helpful resource that shows in motion, how protons and neutrons interact and form the atom. The video also approaches the different elements, and how the protons and neutrons in part determine what chemical element exists. 
  • Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons: The Nuclear Science and Technology organization maintains this site. Includes helpful diagrams and in-text links for protons, electrons, neutrons, and ions.
  • Protons, Neutrons, in terms of Quarks: This is a brief answer to the question, "What kinds of quarks are protons and neutrons made of?" The resource also includes links to questions such as, "What is the smallest particle of matter known," and, "Could there be anything smaller inside of an electron or inside of a neutron or a proton?" 

Development

  • Development of the Chart: A nice resource that starts with the first edition, and ending with the 7th edition, made in 2006. Each section has a description of the changes made, as well as who made them. 
  • Historical Development of the Periodic Table and the Chart of the Nuclides - Abstract: A very short paragraph outlining broadly the discoveries made leading up to the periodic table and the table of the nuclides. 
  • Various Versions of the Table: A portion of the book Radioactivity, Radionuclides, and Radiation, by Joseph Magill and Jean Galy. It lays out the different versions of the chart, as well as telling a story about the creation of the chart. 
  • Development of the Periodic Table: Sponsored by the Western Oregon University, this is a brief history of the development of the periodic table. It may be a useful resource if you need some background information to create a context for the chart of the nuclides. 
  • History of the Nuclide Chart: Outlines the changes made in 2006. In 2006 the 7th edition of the chart was created, and the implications of the new version are explored.

Utility of the Table of Nuclides

  • Become Familiar With Uses for the Table of Nuclides: An experiment that outlines the way to use the table of the nuclides. It treats radioactivity, isotopes of elements, and different types of radiation among other things. 
  • Interactive Chart of the Nuclides: A chart that allows one to obtain mathematic data on any given point on the chart. It includes thermal neutron cross sections thermal neutron fission yields for 235U.
  • Scholarly Treatment of Uses for Nuclides: Explores the developments within the field of cosmogenic nuclide exposure history. This resource "presents the theory necessary for interpreting cosmogenic nuclide data, reviews estimates of parameters,describes strategies and practical considerations in field applications, and assesses sources of error in interpreting cosmogenic nuclide measurements."
  • Using Nuclides to Date the Earth: A book about the science behind geological dating methods. A selection from the book that uses the half-life of nuclides to date the earth. 
  • Table of the Nuclide Real-time Engine: This resource allows one to plug in figures, and get results instantly. Results include spin and half-life, mass, strong gamma rays from nuclear decay, as well as decay data.

Trends in the Table of Nuclides

  • Tendency Equation and Curve of Stable Nuclides: Created by the Xi'an Nonlinear Science Applying Institute, this is a chart that compares the results between the curve of the tendency equation and the experimental distribution data points of the stable nuclides. 
  • Nuclear Changes: An e-book by The World of Physics, by John Avison. Starting at page 397, it deals with measuring the half-life of radon gas, what to do with decay rates of atoms, and radioactive dating.
  • Trends in the Charts of Nuclides: This site presents the table of the nuclides as the radiochemist's version of the periodic table. It has detailed data that reflects the known nuclides, isomers, and isotopes occurring naturally. 
  • Nuclide, Atomic Number, and Mass Number: This site deals with some broad uses of the table of the nuclides, as well as defining other important terms and concepts. It provides a synopsis of nuclides, questions and answers pertaining to the subject, and a list of resources for further reading. 
  • Nucleosynthesis: Lecture notes from a UNLV radiochemistry class in slide-show format. It deals with formation processes, the relationship between nuclear properties and chemical abundance, and electron orbitals. Includes study questions.

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