Question

Define radioactive decay and give some examples of it.

Answer 1

Radioactive decay:

1. Radioactive decay (also called radioactivity, nuclear disintegration, radioactive disintegration, and nuclear decay), is a process in which unstable atomic nuclei lose their energy via the process of radiation.
2. These nuclei can emit alpha particles, neutrinos, beta particles, etc. Any material whose atomic nucleus is unstable and is capable of undergoing radioactive decay can be called a radioactive material.
3. The process of radioactive decay is stochastic (random) and the process proceeds at the atomic level.
4. As per the quantum theory, it is not possible to predict whether a given atom will undergo radioactive decay or nuclear disintegration.
5. Common examples of radioactive decay include alpha decay, proton emission, double proton emission, beta decay, gamma decay, electron capture, and neutron emission.