Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay

A process for an unstable nucleus becomes more stable by emitting radioactive radiation

Three types of radioactive radiation

Alpha particle, beta articel and gamma ray

Alpha particle

Helium nucleus which consist of two protons and two neutrons

Example of alpha decay

Beta particle

A fast-moving electron

Example of beta decay

Gamma rays

High-frequency electromagnetic wave

Example of gamma decay

Half-life

The time taken for a sample of radioactive nuclei to decay to half of its initial number

Radioisotope

Isotopes with unstable nuclei that can emit radioactive radiation