"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 isotopes decay and emit radiation.
Atomic structure: The structure of the atom and its component particles - protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Radioactivity: The spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus.
Types of radiation: The three types of radiation emitted during radioactive decay: alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
Half-life: The time taken for half of the radioactive atoms in a substance to decay.
Decay chains: The series of radioactive decay steps that lead to the formation of stable isotopes.
Nuclear reactions: The processes that change the number or type of particles in the nucleus of an atom.
Radiation detection: The devices and techniques used to detect and measure radiation.
Radiation protection: Measures to limit or prevent exposure to radiation.
Biological effects: How radiation affects living organisms, including long-term health effects.
Radioactive isotopes: The different isotopes of elements that can be radioactive and how they are used in medicine and industry.
Nuclear fission: The process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller fragments with the release of energy.
Nuclear fusion: The process of combining atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.
Radiation exposure: The sources of radiation exposure, including natural and man-made sources.
Dosimetry: The measurement of radiation absorbed by the body and the assessment of its effects.
Radioactive waste: The management and disposal of materials containing radioactive isotopes.
Nuclear power: The generation of electricity from nuclear reactions.
Nuclear weapons: The technology and physics behind the development and use of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear medicine: The use of radioactive isotopes in medical diagnosis and treatment.
Environmental impact: The impact of radiation on the environment and ecosystems.
Nuclear safety: The policies, procedures, and regulations governing the safe use and management of nuclear materials and facilities.
Alpha decay: In this type of decay, the nucleus of the radioactive element emits an alpha particle, which is a cluster of two protons and two neutrons. As a result of this decay, the atomic number of the element is reduced by two, and the atomic mass is reduced by four.
Beta decay: In beta decay, either an electron or a positron is emitted from the nucleus of the radioactive element. This type of decay occurs when there are too many or too few neutrons in the nucleus. In beta minus decay, an electron is emitted, and in beta plus decay, a positron is emitted.
Gamma decay: Gamma decay occurs when a nucleus is in an excited state, and it emits a gamma ray or photon to release the excess energy. Gamma rays are high-energy photons, and they have no charge or mass.
Electron capture: In electron capture, an electron is captured by the nucleus, and it combines with a proton to form a neutron. This type of decay occurs when there are too many protons in the nucleus.
Spontaneous fission: Spontaneous fission occurs when the nucleus of a heavy element such as uranium or plutonium breaks into two or more smaller nuclei. This type of decay releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.
Neutron emission: In neutron emission, a neutron is emitted from the nucleus of the radioactive element. This type of decay occurs when there are too many neutrons in the nucleus.
Proton emission: In proton emission, a proton is emitted from the nucleus of the radioactive element. This type of decay occurs when there are too few neutrons in the nucleus.
"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."