Radioactivity

Radioactivity

Radioactivity (pronounced: /ˌreɪdioʊækˈtɪvɪti/), also known as radioactive decay, is a process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This term was coined by Marie Curie, who discovered the phenomenon in 1896.

Etymology

The term "radioactivity" is derived from the Latin 'radius', meaning 'ray', and 'activus', meaning 'active'. It was first used in the context of nuclear physics by Marie Curie in her studies of uranium and thorium.

Types of Radioactivity

There are three main types of radioactivity: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Each type of decay emits a different type of radiation and has different effects on the human body.

Alpha Decay

In alpha decay, the unstable atom emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons.

Beta Decay

Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which is either an electron or a positron.

Gamma Decay

Gamma decay is the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons.

Health Effects

Exposure to radioactivity can have serious health effects, including cancer and radiation sickness. However, radioactivity is also used in medicine, for example in radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Related Terms

• Radiation
• Nuclear physics
• Nuclear fission
• Nuclear fusion
• Radiation therapy
• Radiation protection
• Nuclear power

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Radioactivity
• Wikipedia's article - Radioactivity

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