|
Radioactivity | Definition, Types, Applications, & Facts | Britannica
Radioactivity, property exhibited by certain types of matter of emitting energy and subatomic particles spontaneously. It is, in essence, an attribute of individual atomic nuclei.
Radioactive decay - Wikipedia
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 Radioactive Atom: An Overview | Radiation and Your Health | CDC
Radioactivity is the spontaneous release of energy from an unstable atom. Radioactive material is a solid, liquid, or gas that gives off radiation. Radiation is the energy that comes out of a radioactive atom. Radioactive isotopes, also known as radionuclides, are radioactive atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
Radioactivity: Definition, Types, Formula, and Applications
Radioactivity occurs when an atom has an excess of energy, mass, or both, making its nucleus unstable. To reach a lower, more stable energy level, it releases energy in the form of radiation. This radiation can be emitted as particles or electromagnetic waves, depending on the nature of the decay.
Radioactivity and the Types of Radioactive Decay
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of ionizing radiation from nuclear decay and reactions. The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha, beta, and gamma decay, but there are other nuclear reactions responsible for radioactivity.
What Is Radioactivity? - Energy.gov
As its name implies, radioactivity is the act of emitting radiation spontaneously. This is done by an atomic nucleus that, for some reason, is unstable; it "wants" to give up some energy in order to shift to a more stable configuration.
Radioactivity | Understanding Its Basics & Effects
Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon involving the decay of unstable atomic nuclei, which release energy in the form of radiation. This process helps us understand atomic structures and has applications ranging from medical treatments to energy production.
Radiation Basics | Nuclear Regulatory Commission
These forces within the atom work toward a strong, stable balance by getting rid of excess atomic energy (radioactivity). In that process, unstable nuclei may emit a quantity of energy, and this spontaneous emission is what we call radiation.
Radioactivity - HyperPhysics
Radioactive decay rates are normally stated in terms of their half-lives, and the half-life of a given nuclear species is related to its radiation risk. The different types of radioactivity lead to different decay paths which transmute the nuclei into other chemical elements.
The Science Behind Radioactive Elements
This article will take you through the depths of atomic structure, the mechanics of radioactivity, the different types of decay, the history of its discovery, the technological and medical applications, and the future of this incredible science.
|
