Nucleon vs. Nucleus — What's the Difference?

A component of an atomic nucleus, either a proton or a neutron.

Defined by its number of protons, which determines the chemical element.

Exhibits properties such as mass and charge (in the case of protons).

The dense, central part of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

A fundamental constituent of atomic mass and nuclear reactions.

Influences chemical and physical properties of atoms.

Subject to nuclear forces within the nucleus.

Studied in nuclear chemistry and physics for its properties.

Can be a target or product in nuclear physics experiments.

Subject to decay in certain isotopes, leading to radioactivity.

In chemistry and physics, a nucleon is either a proton or a neutron, considered in its role as a component of an atomic nucleus. The number of nucleons in a nucleus defines an isotope's mass number (nucleon number).

A central or essential part around which other parts are gathered or grouped; a core

Either of the two fermions (the proton and the neutron). Nucleons have one-half unit of spin and are basic components of all atomic nuclei.

Something regarded as a basis for future development and growth; a kernel

A proton (uud) or a neutron (udd).

(Biology) A membrane-bound organelle within a eukaryotic cell that contains most of the cell's genetic material. DNA transcription takes place in the nucleus.

A neutron or proton, when contained within an atomic nucleus.

(Anatomy) A group of specialized nerve cells or a localized mass of gray matter in the brain or spinal cord.

A constituent (proton or neutron) of an atomic nucleus

(Physics) The positively charged central region of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons, about which negatively charged electrons orbit. Extremely small and dense, the nucleus contains almost all of the mass of an atom.

(Chemistry) A group of atoms bound in a structure, such as a benzene ring, that is resistant to alteration in chemical reactions.

The central, often brightest part of the head of a comet.

The solid part of a comet, composed of ice and smaller amounts of dust and rock.

The central, often brightest part of a galaxy.

(Meteorology) A particle on which water vapor molecules accumulate in free air to form a droplet or ice crystal.

(Linguistics) The part of a syllable having the greatest sonority. In the word middlemost (mĭdl-mōst′) the nuclei of the three syllables are (ĭ), (l), and (ō); in the Czech word krk ("neck"), the nucleus is (r).

The core, central part of something, around which other elements are assembled.

An initial part or version that will receive additions.

The massive, positively charged central part of an atom, made up of protons and neutrons. Category:en:Nuclear physics

(cytology) A large membrane-enclosed organelle found in eukaryotic cells which contains genetic material.

(neuroanatomy) A ganglion, cluster of many neuronal bodies where synapsing occurs.

The central part of a syllable, most commonly a vowel.

A kernel; hence, a central mass or point about which matter is gathered, or to which accretion is made; the central or material portion; - used both literally and figuratively.

The body or the head of a comet.

An incipient ovule of soft cellular tissue.

A body, usually spheroidal, in a eukaryotic cell, distinguished from the surrounding protoplasm by a difference in refrangibility and in behavior towards chemical reagents, which contains the chromosomal genetic material, including the chromosomal DNA. It is more or less protoplasmic, and consists of a clear fluid (achromatin) through which extends a network of fibers (chromatin) in which may be suspended a second rounded body, the nucleolus (see Nucleoplasm). See Cell division, under Division.

The tip, or earliest part, of a univalve or bivalve shell.

A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction

The positively charged dense center of an atom

A small group of indispensable persons or things;

(astronomy) the center of the head of a comet; consists of small solid particles of ice and frozen gas that vaporizes on approaching the sun to form the coma and tail

Any histologically identifiable mass of neural cell bodies in the brain or spinal cord

A nucleon is a term used for either a proton or a neutron, the particles that make up an atomic nucleus.

Protons can exist freely; however, free neutrons are unstable and decay into protons over time.

The nucleus is the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons, and holds most of the atom's mass.

Nucleons can be participants in nuclear reactions, either as targets, products, or intermediaries.

Nucleons are the building blocks of the nucleus, composing it through their combination of protons and neutrons.

Protons are positively charged nucleons, whereas neutrons have no charge and are slightly heavier than protons.

Neutron capture involves a nucleus absorbing an additional neutron, which can lead to a change in its isotopic composition and possibly initiate a nuclear reaction.

A nucleus can be unstable if it has an excess of protons or neutrons, leading to a tendency to undergo radioactive decay to reach stability.

The stability of a nucleus is determined by the ratio of neutrons to protons and the overall energy of the system.

Nucleons interact through strong nuclear forces, which bind them together within the nucleus.

During radioactive decay, the nucleus can emit particles and energy, altering its number of protons and neutrons and thus its identity.

Nuclear force is a strong force that acts between nucleons, binding them together within the nucleus.

The nucleus largely determines the chemical properties of an element through its proton count, which defines the element.

Isotopic notation provides the proton number (atomic number) and mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) of an atom, indicating the composition of its nucleus.

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus, preventing protons from repelling each other due to their positive charges.