"Radioactive decay (also known as nuclear decay, radioactivity, radioactive disintegration, or nuclear disintegration) is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation."
The process by which unstable atomic nuclei emit particles and/or energy in order to become more stable.
Atomic Structure and Radiation: The study of the particles that make up atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and the various types of radiation they emit.
Isotopes and Radioactivity: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have a different number of neutrons. Radioactive isotopes emit radiation and can be used in medical treatments and other applications.
Radiation Detection and Measurement: Techniques for detecting and measuring various types of radiation, including Geiger counters, scintillation detectors, and dosimeters.
Nuclear Energy and Power: The production of energy from nuclear reactions, including nuclear power plants and the potential for nuclear fusion as a source of clean energy.
Nuclear Reactors and Safety: The design and operation of nuclear reactors as well as the safety measures put in place to prevent accidental releases of radiation.
Medical Applications of Radioactivity: The use of radioactive isotopes for medical imaging, cancer treatment, and diagnosis.
Environmental Radioactivity: The effects of radiation on the environment, including the sources of environmental radioactivity and its impact on living organisms.
Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency Preparedness: Measures to protect against radiation exposure and the response to nuclear emergencies such as accidents or terrorism.
Nuclear Waste Management: The safe storage and disposal of radioactive waste generated from nuclear power plants and other sources.
Nuclear Weapons and Proliferation: The development and use of nuclear weapons, as well as efforts to prevent their proliferation to other countries or non-state actors.
Alpha radiation: This type of radiation is the emission of alpha particles, which are composed of two protons and two neutrons. Alpha particles have a slow speed and are easily stopped by materials like paper or skin. However, if they enter the body, they can be extremely harmful.
Beta radiation: This is the emission of beta particles, which are high-energy electrons or positrons that are emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Beta particles can travel further than alpha particles and can penetrate materials like wood, plastic, and aluminum.
Gamma radiation: Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Gamma rays have no mass or charge and can easily penetrate materials like concrete and steel. Gamma rays are often used in cancer treatment.
Neutron radiation: Neutron radiation is caused by the emission of neutrons from the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons can penetrate through many materials, including concrete and steel. They are often used in nuclear reactors and for medical purposes.
X-rays: X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to gamma rays. They are produced by an electronic device called an X-ray tube and can be used for medical imaging and cancer treatment.
Radioactive decay: Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma particles. This process can continue until the atom becomes stable.
Positron emission: Positron emission is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a positron, which is a particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge. This process is commonly used in medical imaging.
Electron capture: Electron capture occurs when an electron is absorbed by the nucleus of an atom, causing a neutron to be converted into a proton. This can cause the atom to become unstable and emit radiation.
Spontaneous fission: Spontaneous fission occurs when a nucleus spontaneously splits into two smaller nuclei and releases energy in the form of radiation. This process is rare and usually occurs in very large atoms.
Beta-delayed neutron emission: This is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when beta-decay is delayed, and the nucleus emits a neutron instead of a beta particle. This process is important in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
"A material containing unstable nuclei is considered radioactive."
"Three of the most common types of decay are alpha, beta, and gamma decay, all of which involve emitting particles."
"The weak force is the mechanism that is responsible for beta decay."
"The other two are governed by electromagnetism and nuclear force."
"Radioactive decay is a stochastic (i.e., random) process at the level of single atoms."
"According to quantum theory, it is impossible to predict when a particular atom will decay, regardless of how long the atom has existed."
"The overall decay rate can be expressed as a decay constant or as half-life."
"The decaying nucleus is called the parent radionuclide (or parent radioisotope)."
"The process produces at least one daughter nuclide."
"The decay is a nuclear transmutation resulting in a daughter containing a different number of protons or neutrons (or both)."
"When the number of protons changes, an atom of a different chemical element is created."
"There are 28 naturally occurring chemical elements on Earth that are radioactive."
"Consisting of 34 radionuclides (6 elements have 2 different radionuclides) that date before the time of formation of the Solar System."
"Well-known examples are uranium and thorium."
"Also included are naturally occurring long-lived radioisotopes, such as potassium-40."
"Radioactive decay (also known as nuclear decay, radioactivity, radioactive disintegration, or nuclear disintegration)."
"All of which involve emitting particles... alpha, beta, and gamma decay, all of which involve emitting particles."
"The weak force is the mechanism that is responsible for beta decay, while the other two are governed by electromagnetism and nuclear force."
"The half-lives of radioactive atoms have a huge range; from nearly instantaneous to far longer than the age of the universe."