radioactive decay

• What does it mean for an isotope to be radioactive?


  It means that its nuclei decay and release radiation
• Why can we not predict when radioactive decay will happen?


  Because it is a random process
• What is meant by radioactive decay?


  It is the process by which an unstable nucleus gives out radiation to become stable.
• How many types of nuclear radiation are there?


  There are four types of nuclear radiation.
• Why do some isotopes undergo radioactive decay?


  Because they have an unstable nucleus that needs to become stable.
• What is an isotope?


  Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
• What is the symbol for activity in radioactive decay?


  The symbol for activity is capital B lowercase q.
• How is activity measured?

  Activity is measured in Becquerels (Bq).
• What does one Becquerel (1 Bq) equal?


  One Becquerel equals one decay per second.
• What is the count rate in radioactive decay?


  The count rate is the number of decays recorded each second by a detector.
• How does count rate differ from activity?


  Count rate is affected by background radiation, while activity is the inherent decay rate of the source.
• What is the fourth type of radiation that can be emitted by an unstable nucleus?

  The fourth type of radiation is a neutron.
• What are the four types of nuclear radiation?

  1. Alpha particles
  2. Beta particles
  3. Gamma rays
  4. Neutrons
• What is the process of radioactive decay?


  • Unstable nucleus emits radiation
  • Nucleus becomes stable
  • Random process, cannot be predicted