What happens in the process of radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is the process by which a radioactive atom emits particles and energy to reach a more stable configuration. Atoms may emit alpha or beta particles from the nucleus or may spontaneously split into different isotopes, producing gamma or neutron radiation. read more

In radioactive decay, an unstable atomic nucleus emits particles or radiation and converts to a different atomic nucleus. If the new nucleus is unstable, it will decay again, until eventually, a stable nucleus is formed. Such a sequence of nuclear decays forms a decay series. read more

The Process of Natural Radioactive Decay Certain naturally occurring radioactive isotopes are unstable: Their nucleus breaks apart, undergoing nuclear decay. Sometimes the product of that nuclear decay is unstable itself and undergoes nuclear decay, too. read more