Section: STEM · PhysicsDifficulty: Medium
Radioactive Decay
USUK
The spontaneous disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus, releasing radiation.
Also: nuclear decay
Definition
Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The rate of decay is characterized by the half-life, the time required for half the nuclei in a sample to decay. This process transforms one element into another and is the basis for nuclear power and radiometric dating.
Example
“Carbon-14 dating uses the known half-life of 5,730 years to determine the age of ancient organic materials, such as wooden artifacts or fossilized remains.”
Synonyms
- nuclear decay
- radioactive disintegration
- nuclear radiation decay
Antonyms / Opposites
- nuclear stability
- stable isotope
Images
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Related Terms
- Half-Life
- Nuclear Fission
- Alpha Decay
- Beta Decay