What happens in the process of radioactive decay?
1 Answer
Nov 29, 2017
When an unstable isotope undergoes radioactive decay radiation is emitted in the form of either alpha, beta, or gamma particles.
Explanation:
When an unstable isotope undergoes radioactive decay radiation is emitted in the form of either alpha, beta, or gamma particles. Alpha or beta emissions may result in a change in the number of protons within the nucleus. A change in the number of protons changes the radioactive isotope into a more stable isotope. The time it takes for half of the atoms in a radioactive sample to decay is known as half-life. Different isotopes have different half lives. Carbon-14 for example, has a half life of about 5730 years while Uranium-233 has a half life of about 159 200 years.
