Radioactive Decay: The spontaneous decay of an atom to an atom of a different element by emission of a particle from its nucleus (alpha and beta decay) or by electron capture.

 

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Radioactive Decay: The spontaneous decay of an atom to an atom of a different element by emission of a particle from its nucleus (alpha and beta decay) or by electron capture.

Alpha Decay: Type of radioactive decay in which a radioisotope emits a large but slow-moving particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons.

Beta Decay: Type of radioactive decay in which a radioisotope emits a small, negatively-charged and fast-moving particle from its nucleus. The beta particle is similar in size, charge, and speed to an e . . . View Full Definition

Decay: The time of reduction of the level of a signal immediately after its cessation .

Decay Series: Most radioisotopes do not decay into a stable daughter element in one single decay, but rather through a series of radioactive intermediaries.

Dose (Not Radioactive): The amount of a substance to which a person is exposed over some time period. Dose is a measurement of exposure. Dose is often expressed as milligram (amount) per kilogram (a measure of body . . . View Full Definition

Dose (Radioactive Chemicals): The radiation dose is the amount of energy from radiation that is actually absorbed by the body. This is not the same as measurements of the amount of radiation in the environment.

Neutron-Activation Analysis: A method of identifying isotopes of an element by bombarding them with neutrons and observing the characteristic radioactive decay products emitted.

Geochronology: The science of absolute dating and relative dating of geologic formations and events, primarily through the measurement of daughter elements produced by radioactive decay in minerals.

Beta-Particle: An electron emitted with high energy and velocity from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.