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Radioactivity | Definitions
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Radioactivity | Definitions
Radioactivity
The spontaneous decay of the unstable nuclei of a radioactive substance accompanied by the emission of radiation.
Nuclear Reaction
Can involve a change in atomic number meaning a new element is formed.
Beta Decay
When an isotope undergoes beta decay, its atomic number increases by 1 while its mass number remains unchanged.
Alpha Decay
When an isotope undergoes alpha decay, its atomic number decreases by 2 while its mass number decreases by 4.
Radioisotope
An unstable, radioactive isotope of an element, e.g. C-14.
Half-Life
The time taken for half of the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
Uses of Radioisotopes
C-14, a beta emitter, is used in archaeology. Am-241, an alpha emitter, is used in smoke alarms. Co-60, a gamma emitter, is used in cancer treatment.
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Radioactivity
The spontaneous decay of the unstable nuclei of a radioactive substance accompanied by the emission of radiation.
Nuclear Reaction
Can involve a change in atomic number meaning a new element is formed.
Beta Decay
When an isotope undergoes beta decay, its atomic number increases by 1 while its mass number remains unchanged.
Alpha Decay
When an isotope undergoes alpha decay, its atomic number decreases by 2 while its mass number decreases by 4.
Radioisotope
An unstable, radioactive isotope of an element, e.g. C-14.
Half-Life
The time taken for half of the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
Uses of Radioisotopes
C-14, a beta emitter, is used in archaeology. Am-241, an alpha emitter, is used in smoke alarms. Co-60, a gamma emitter, is used in cancer treatment.