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  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 …

  4. 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 …

  5. 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 …

  6. 9: Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry - Chemistry LibreTexts

    9.12: Radioactivity in Medicine and Other Applications Compounds known as radioactive tracers can be used to follow reactions, track the distribution of a substance, diagnose and treat medical conditions, …

  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. 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 …

  9. 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 …

  10. 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 …