The process in which a radioactive nucleus emits (gives off) radiation and changes to a different isotope or element. A number of different particles can be emitted by decay. The most typical are alpha, beta particles, and gamma rays.
the regular process by which radioactive isotopes break down into their decay products with a half-life which is specific to the isotope in question (see also radiocarbon dating).
Radioactive decay is the process by which the atoms in radioactive substances release energy. Radioactive decay produces a new substance which may or may not be radioactive. For example, iodine-131 decays to non-radioactive (stable) xenon-131.
term for the process in which the nuclei of certain atoms disintegrate and emit radiation
The spontaneous nuclear reaction in which a less stable nuclei becomes more stable by releasing several particles and waves
the spontaneous emission of charged particles from the nucleus of an unstable atom in order to produce a stable nucleus.
the process in which a nucleus spontaneously disintegrates, giving off radiation
Ionizing radiation results when the structure of an atom's electrons, neutrons and protons breaks down. This can happen when some form of ionizing radiation collides with a stable atom, or when an unstable atom (called a radioisotope) decays or breaks down on its own.
Disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus by spontaneous emission of radiation.
The spontaneous giving off of an alpha or beta particle or a gamma ray by a radioisotope.
The decrease in the amount of any radioactive material with the passage of time due to the spontaneous emission from the atomic nuclei or either alpha or beta particles, often accompanied by gamma radiation. Each decay process has a definite half-life.
The spontaneous disintegration of the atoms of certain isotopes into new isotopes, which may or may not be stable.
The spontaneous natural process by which radioactive parent isotopes decay to form daughter isotopes. By measuring the radioactive elements, geologists can determine the absolute ages of certain types of rocks and minerals.
It is process of spontaneous transformation of a radionuclide by the emission of nuclear radiation. Radioactive nuclear decay occurs whenever a nucleus is in an energy-state that is not the lowest possible for its nucleon number. This state may occur naturally (which essentially means that it was created in that state when formed within a star) or by artificial means (neutron or photon irradiation). The emission of the nuclear radiation is a purely random event. It cannot be predicted exactly when an atom will decay, only that a certain number will decay in a given time. The mathematics of probability is used for this requires a large number of atoms to be considered. {See half life and radioactive decay series). The nucleus remaining is called the decay product or daughter nucleus. The rate of decay depends on the number of undecayed nuclei present, so with each decay event there is a decrease in the activity of a radioactive sample.
A change in the nuclei of radioactive isotopes that spontaneously emit high-energy electromagnetic radiation and/or subatomic particles while gradually changing into another isotope or different element. [Go to source
The process by which the nucleus of a radioactive isotope decomposes and releases radioactivity. For example, carbon 14 (a radioisotope of carbon) decays by losing a beta particle, thereby becoming nitrogen 14, which is unstable.
the spontaneous decay of an unstable atomic nucleus into a lighter nucleus with the emission of a-, b- or g-radiation.
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
the process by which radioactive isotopes emit or capture tiny particles
the spontaneous disintegration of the nucleus of an atom.
Radioactive decay is the phenomenon whereby an atom spontaneously decays to form one or more different atoms or isotopes. It is always accompanied by the emission of α-particles, β-particles or γ-rays. Nuclear Breakdown
The spontaneous process by which an unstable radioactive nucleus releases energy or particles to become stable.
The spontaneous disintegration of radioactive nuclei into nuclei of other elements.
Disintegration of the nucleus of an unstable nuclide by the spontaneous emission of charged particles, neutrons, and/or photons.
The spontaneous decay of an atom to an atom of a different element by emission of a particle from its nucleus (alpha and beta decay) or by electron capture.
the spontaneous decomposition of a nucleus to form a different nucleus.
Change of a radioisotope to a different isotope by the emission of radioactivity.
Radioactive decay describes the process where an energetically unstable atom transforms itself to a more energetically favorable, or stable, state. The unstable atom can emit ionizing radiation in order to become more stable. This atom is said to be "radioactive", and the process of change is called "radioactive decay". back to
The spontaneous radioactive disintegration of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of energy in the form of particles (for example, alpha or beta), or gamma radiation, or a combination of these.
a process in which unstable elements release excess energy in order to become more stable.
The process by which a radioactive atom undergoes fission or releases particles thereby transforming into a new element.
In reference to conductivity near the ground, the primary source of ions in the lowest 1 or 2 km of the atmosphere above land. ( Cosmic radiation is dominant over the oceans and at higher altitudes.) The ionizing radiation can take the form of 1) emission of α, β, or γ radiation by radioactive materials in the soil; or 2) emission from gaseous radioactive daughter products ( radon) that emanate from the soil. The α radiation emitted by materials in the ground is absorbed in the lowest few centimeters of the atmosphere, β radiation penetrates a few meters, and γ radiation a few hundred meters. The ionization produced by radioactive gases in the atmosphere is highly variable and depends on the rate of emission from the soil and also on atmospheric dispersion. 222Rn, which has a half-life of 3.8 days, is produced by the uranium decay series. 220Rn ( thoron) is produced by the thorium decay series and has a half-life of 54 seconds.
Radioactive decay is the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei emit subatomic particles (radiation). Decay is said to occur in the parent nucleus and produces a daughter nucleus. This is a random process, i.e. it is impossible to predict when an atomic nucleus will decay or which nuclei in a sample will.