
Radioactivity | Definition, Types, Applications, & Facts | Britannica
Nov 11, 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.
Radioactivity: Definition, Types, Formula, and Applications
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 …
31.1: Nuclear Radioactivity - Physics LibreTexts
The discovery and study of nuclear radioactivity quickly revealed evidence of revolutionary new physics.
Radioactivity | Understanding Its Basics & Effects
May 29, 2024 · Radioactivity occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This instability arises from an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons within the …
Radioactivity and the Types of Radioactive Decay
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 …
Radioactivity - HyperPhysics
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 …
The Science Behind Radioactive Elements
May 1, 2025 · These unstable atoms release excess energy in the form of radiation — a process called radioactive decay. As atoms decay, they turn into different elements or isotopes in their attempt to …
Radioactivity & Radioactive Decay - Mini Physics
The study of radioactivity not only unveils the atomic structure and the forces within the nucleus but also provides insights into the age of Earth, the evolution of stars, and the origins of the elements in the …
Introduction to Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics – Introductory ...
Some of the mysteries of nature, such as why the core of the earth remains molten and how the sun produces its energy, are explained by nuclear phenomena. The exploration of radioactivity and the …
What Is Radioactivity? - Energy.gov
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 …