Heavy elements such as Uranium can undergo alpha emission. Hence, the atomic number of a radioactive isotope is decreased by 2 units and the atomic mass from 4 units. Alpha decay causes the isotopes to lose 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Alpha particle bears a +2 electrical charge because there are no electrons to neutralize the positive charges of 2 protons. It is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The radioactive decay of substances may occur in three major ways.Īn alpha particle is identical to a Helium atom. If the ratio is too low, then it is proton rich atom and is unstable. If this ratio is too high, it is neutron rich and is unstable. Other atoms also can undergo radioactive decay according to their neutron: proton ratio. Therefore, these atoms can undergo radioactive decay. If there are too many protons and too many neutrons, the atoms are heavy. These nuclei undergo radioactive decay in order to become stable.
An atom can become unstable due to several reasons such as the presence of a high number of protons in the nuclei or a high number of neutrons in the nuclei.
Unstable isotopes are atoms having unstable nuclei. Radioactive decay is the process in which unstable isotopes undergo decay through emitting radiation. Key Terms: Half Life, Isotopes, Neutrons, Protons, Radioactive Decay What is the Relationship Between Radioactive Decay and Half Life This is the relationship between radioactive decay and half life. The time taken by a substance to become half of its initial mass through radioactive decay is measured as the half life of that substance. The radioactive decay of a certain substance is measured by a special term known as the half life. However, the final product of radioactive decay is always stable than the initial isotope. The radioactive decay causes an isotope of a particular element to be converted into an isotope of a different element. Therefore, in order to become stable, these isotopes undergo a spontaneous process called radioactive decay. These pages contain information about the properties of the element, how it moves through the environment, where you may find it (the radiation source) and potential health effects.There are certain naturally occurring isotopes that are unstable due to the imbalanced numbers of protons and neutrons they have in their nucleus of atoms. Learn more about radioactive decay.īelow you will find links to basic information about twelve radionuclides encountered in medical, commercial, and military activities. Some radionuclides have half-lives of mere seconds, but others have half-lives of millions of years. Radioactive decay is when a radioisotope transforms into another radioisotope this process emits radiation in some form. Radioactive half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay. Learn the Radiation Basics.Įvery radionuclide emits radiation at its own specific rate, which is measured in terms of half-life. Some occur naturally in the environment, while others are man-made, either deliberately or as byproducts of nuclear reactions. Radium-226, Cesium-137, and Strontium-90 are examples of radionuclides. Radioactive forms of elements are called radionuclides radionuclideRadioactive forms of elements are called radionuclides.