How does radioactive decay work?
How does radioactive decay work?
(source: extension.osu.edu)
The explanation of radioactive decay begins with a description of the atom. Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. The protons and neutrons are packed together in the nucleus at the center of the atom (see Figure 1). The electrons orbit the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus determines what material (element) the atom is. For example, if the nucleus contains 8 protons, the atom is oxygen. If the nucleus contains 17 protons, the atom is chlorine.
When the nucleus of a radioactive isotope gives up its extra energy, that energy is called ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation may take the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Ionizing radiation is of concern because it may cause adverse health effects. The process of emitting the radiation is called radioactive decay.
All materials are made of atoms. Radioactive atoms are unstable; that is, they have too much energy. When radioactive atoms release their extra energy, they are said to decay. All radioactive atoms decay. After releasing all their excess energy, the atoms become stable and are no longer radioactive. The time required for decay depends upon the type of atom. This fact sheet explains the process of radioactive decay.
