Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay is the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit subatomic particles (radiation). Decay is said to occur in the parent nucleus and produces a daughter nucleus. This is a random process, i.e. it is impossible to predict the decay of individual atoms.

Related Topics:
Atomic nuclei - Nuclide - Subatomic particle - Radiation

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The SI unit for measuring radioactive decay is the becquerel (Bq). If a quantity of radioactive material produces one decay event per second, it has an activity of one Bq. Since any reasonably-sized sample of radioactive material contains very many atoms, a becquerel is a tiny level of activity; numbers on the order of gigabecquerels are seen more commonly.

Related Topics:
SI - Becquerel

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