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  1. Radioactive decay - Wikipedia

    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.

  2. Radioactivity | Definition, Types, Applications, & Facts | Britannica

    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.

  3. 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 …

  4. 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 …

  5. 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 …

  6. Radiation Basics | Nuclear Regulatory Commission

    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 …

  7. Radioactivity | Understanding Its Basics & Effects

    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 …

  8. 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 …

  9. The Science Behind Radioactive Elements

    May 1, 2025 · This article will take you through the depths of atomic structure, the mechanics of radioactivity, the different types of decay, the history of its discovery, the technological and medical …

  10. 11.1: Radioactivity - Chemistry LibreTexts

    Dec 29, 2025 · 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.