Nuclear processes involve changes in the nucleus of an atom, which can result in the release or absorption of energy. Common types include nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, and nuclear fusion, where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. These processes are fundamental to the operation of nuclear power plants and the energy produced by the sun. In addition to fission and fusion, radioactive decay is another nuclear process where unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This can occur through various modes, such as alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Understanding these processes is crucial for applications in medicine, energy production, and understanding the universe.