The term "nuclear fission product" refers to the different chemical elements created during the process of nuclear fission. There are numerous synonyms for this term. One of the most commonly used synonyms is "radioactive isotopes", which are atoms with unstable nuclei that undergo radioactive decay. Another term used interchangeably is "fission fragments", which are the two isotopes that are created when a uranium or plutonium nucleus is split during a nuclear reaction. Other synonyms include "nuclear decay products", "atomic fragments", and "radiation byproducts". Regardless of the terminology used, all of these terms refer to the potentially hazardous compounds created as a result of nuclear fission.