radioactivity

What is radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei, undergoing a process called radioactive decay to achieve a more stable state.

What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha (\alpha) decay, beta (\beta) decay, and gamma ($\gamma) decay.

Describe alpha (\alpha) radiation.

Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are comprised of two protons and two neutrons (a helium nucleus). They are positively charged, have a large mass, and have low penetrating power but high ionizing power.

Describe beta (\beta) radiation.

Beta radiation consists of beta particles, which are high-energy electrons (or positrons) emitted from the nucleus. They are negatively (or positively) charged, have small mass, moderate penetrating power, and moderate ionizing power.

Describe gamma (\gamma) radiation.

Gamma radiation consists of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic waves. They have no charge or mass, have very high penetrating power, and low ionizing power.

What is half-life in the context of radioactivity?

Half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to undergo radioactive decay. It is a characteristic property of each radioactive isotope (N(t) = N_0 ({1 \over 2})^{t \over T}).