what is radioactivity?

Answer 1

Radioactivity is high-energy electromagnetic rays caused by the transformation of the nucleus of an unstable atom into a stabler and different atom.

Answer 2

It is the natural tendancy for some elements (or isotopes of elements) to decay from a material state into an energetic state by giving off particles or waves (or both) sort of like the way water evaporates into a gas. In any sample of radioactive material there is always a certain number of atoms that are energetic enough to transform themeselves into pure energy and fly off into the universe. The time it takes for half of a given lump of uranium or curium or radium to change into energetic particles and fly away forever is called its "half-life" If you wait long enough, you can watch matter dissappear into nothing as it decays. Radioactivity takes three major forms, Alpha particle, Beta particle, and Gamma rays. Alpha particles are just Helium nuclei which have been stripped of their electrons and bounce around like super fast ping pong balls... they don't cause much harm unless you inhale them or something. This form of radiation can be blocked by almost anything like cloth or paper. Gamma rays on the other hand are a form of light and cannot be easily blocked. It is this type of radioactivity which can be the most lethal, regardless of what you may have seen on "the Incredible Hulk".

Answer 3

Radioactivity is usually the effects of radiation on something.

Answer 4

atoms are unstable and give off particles