Radiation Protection Glossary

A radiation protection glossary for Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) and anyone interesting in radiation safety terminology. The glossary is a mixture of health physics terms, and phrases related to radiation legislation, transport, practical safety and similar.

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Nuclide

Published: Oct 12, 2018

A nuclide describes an Atom who's properties are a function of the number of Protons and Neutrons contained in the Nucleus. A nuclide does not have to be Radioactive - if it is, then its known as a Radionuclide.

The definition of 'safe' is not strictly an engineering term; it's a societal term. Does it mean absolutely no loss of life? Does it mean absolutely no contamination with radiation? What exactly does 'safe' mean?

– Henry Petroski