Dec 6, 2025 · 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 (also known as nuclear decay, radioactivity, radioactive disintegration, or nuclear disintegration) is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.

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 …

Jun 10, 2025 · 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 …

May 30, 2021 · 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 …

May 21, 2024 · Radioactivity is the process whereby unstable atomic nuclei release energetic subatomic particles or electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This phenomenon can cause one element to turn into …

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 …

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 …

May 29, 2024 · 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 …

This page offers a comprehensive overview of radioactivity, detailing atomic structure and the different types of radioactive emissions: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.