Radioactive decay

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Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay (pronunciation: /ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv dɪˈkeɪ/) is a process that unstable atoms undergo. It is a spontaneous process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of an alpha particle, beta particle, or gamma ray.

Etymology

The term "radioactive" comes from the Latin radius, meaning "ray", and the Greek aktinos, meaning "ray". "Decay" comes from the Old French decair, meaning "to fall away".

Process

In Radioactive decay, an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. This decay, or loss of energy, results in an atom of one type, called the parent nuclide transforming to an atom of a different type, called the daughter nuclide.

Types of Radioactive Decay

There are three main types of radioactive decay: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

  • Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle and thereby transforms into an atom with a mass number 4 less and atomic number 2 less.
  • Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or a positron) is emitted. In beta minus decay, a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. In beta plus decay, a proton decays into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino.
  • Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an excited nucleus interacts with an internal conversion electron and switches to a lower energy level, releasing gamma radiation.

Related Terms

  • Half-life is the time required for a quantity to reduce to half of its initial value. The term is commonly used in nuclear physics to describe how quickly unstable atoms undergo radioactive decay.
  • Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles which cause ionization.
  • Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their constituents and interactions.
  • Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei as fission products, and usually some by-product particles.
  • Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles (neutrons or protons).

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