2007-01-14 23:54:45 · 4 answers · asked by akashvhegde 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Radioactive decay is the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei emit subatomic particles (radiation). Decay is said to occur in the parent nucleus and produces a daughter nucleus. This is a random process, i.e. it is impossible to predict the decay of individual atoms.
2007-01-15 00:03:42 · answer #1 · answered by Pushpendra Singh Sisodia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Radioactivity refers to the particles which are emitted from nuclei as a result of nuclear instability. Because the nucleus experiences the intense conflict between the two strongest forces in nature, it should not be surprising that there are many nuclear isotopes which are unstable and emit some kind of radiation. The most common types of radiation are called alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, but there are several other varieties of radioactive decay. 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 decay paths which transmute the nuclei into other chemical elements. Examining the amounts of the decay products makes possible radioactive dating. Radiation from nuclear sources is distributed equally in all directions, obeying the inverse square law.
2016-05-24 05:08:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Radioactivity is spontaneous disintegration of nucleus. In this process unstable nuclei are converted into stable one. Most of radioactivity result in formation of lead. In radioactive decay alpha, beta or gamma particles are emitted.radioactivity is not affected by any external factors. Not only heavy nuclei like uranium but also llighter nuclei show radioactivity like tritium. Radioactivity is only due to high ratio of number of neutrons to the no. of protons in the nucleus. The highest neutron proton ratio is shown by tritium ie 2. Radioactivity can be induced artificially also.
2007-01-15 03:05:02 · answer #3 · answered by Tariq M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Radioactivity, spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei by the emission of subatomic particles called alpha particles and beta particles, or of electromagnetic rays called X rays and gamma rays.
In this phenomenon,the parent nucleus gets divided into daughter nucleus.
The phenomenon was discovered in 1896 by the French physicist Antoine Henri Becquerel.
2007-01-15 00:46:30 · answer #4 · answered by sasus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋