
Radioactivity | Definition, Types, Applications, & Facts | Britannica
3 days ago · 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 - 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 …
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 …
DOE Explains...Radioactivity - Department of Energy
Radioactivity is the release of energy from the decay of the nuclei of certain kinds of atoms and isotopes. Atomic nuclei consist of protons and neutrons bound together in tiny bundles at the …
The Radioactive Atom: An Overview | Radiation and Your Health …
This process is known as radioactivity and the energy that's released is radiation. After an atom expels energy from the nucleus, the composition of the nucleus changes, and we are left with …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Radioactivity - Definition, Laws, Occurrence, Applications
Jul 23, 2025 · The ability of certain forms of matter to emit energy and subatomic particles spontaneously is known as radioactivity. It's essentially a property of individual atomic nuclei.