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radioactivity, property exhibited by certain types of matter of emitting energy and subatomic particles spontaneously. It is, in essence, an attribute of individual atomic nuclei.
Radioactive decay (also known as nuclear decay, radioactivity, radioactive disintegration, or nuclear disintegration) is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. A material containing unstable nuclei is considered radioactive. Three of the most common types of decay are alpha, beta, and gamma decay.
Radioactivity is the result of the decay of the nucleus. The nucleus’s decay rate is independent of temperature and pressure. Radioactivity is dependent on the law of conservation of charge. The physical and chemical properties of the daughter nucleus are different from the mother nucleus.
Radioactivity is the release of energy from the decay of the nuclei of certain kinds of atoms and isotopes. Atomic nuclei consist of protons and neutrons bound together in tiny bundles at the center of atoms.
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of ionizing radiation from nuclear decay and reactions. The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha, beta, and gamma decay, but there are other nuclear reactions responsible for radioactivity.
Radioactivity occurs when an atom has an excess of energy, mass, or both, making its nucleus unstable. To reach a lower, more stable energy level, it releases energy in the form of radiation. This radiation can be emitted as particles or electromagnetic waves, depending on the nature of the decay.
As its name implies, radioactivity is the act of emitting radiation spontaneously. This is done by an atomic nucleus that, for some reason, is unstable; it "wants" to give up some energy in order to shift to a more stable configuration.