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Radioactivity is a term that refers to the emissions from atomic nuclei due to changes in those nuclei. Those changes will occur as a result of instability of isotopes of certain elements. These atoms have a nuclear structure that is inherently unstable for whatever reason. And any unstable nucleus will eventually decay in a manner characteristic of that particular atom (radioisotope). We term the activity associated with the natural changes due to nuclear instability radioactive decay. As you can guess, different things might appear as an expression of the radioactivity of a radioisotope, and they'll vary according to the radioisotope being inspected.

We could say that the elements on the upper end of the Periodic Table are radioactive, and these elements, the ones beginning with bismuth, have no nuclear configurations that permit them to avoid instability and their eventual radioactive decay. Additionally, we know that there are isotopes of other elements (lighter ones) that are not stable, and these radioisotopes are radioactive and will decay in time. Lastly, there are the elements technetium and promethium, which are the only elements with atomic numbers below that of bismuth that have no stable isotopes.

The emissions we might gather under the umbrella of radioactivity include both particulate radiation and radiation in the form of energy, or electromagnetic radiation. Your investigation of the instabilities associated with atomic structure and what it is that results is just beginning. Use the links below to check facts and learn more.

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Is this true radioactivity and radioactive decay are two distinct phenomena?

True and False. Radioactivity is a characteristic of unstable atomic nuclei, whereas radioactive decay is the process that a radioactive nucleus undergoes when it decays due to its instability.Argument for true: Radioactivity is the tendency to undergo radioactive decay.Argument for false: The two terms are unrelated because one is a characteristic and the other is a process, and, therefore, the question misunderstands the definition of the terms.You choose your definition. This writer prefers false.


What is the best definition of half life for a radioactive substance?

The time taken for the radioactivity to halve its intensity, starting from any arbitrarily chosen instant.


How does radioactivity affect the water cycle?

Radioactivity affect the water molecules. Radioactivity makes it harmful


Advantages of nuclear radioactivity?

What other sort of radioactivity is there?


Radioactivity can be what?

Radioactivity can be induced in ordinary matter by artificial transmutation.


When did Marie curie build radioactivity?

no but she built the knowleage of radioactivity.


Do you messure radioactivity in literes?

You cannot measure radioactivity in litres


How much radioactivity is in Japan?

Radioactivity in Japan is about 15,000 terabecquerels.


Marie curie discovered radioactivity?

NO. Henri Becquerel was the discoverer of radioactivity.


What do you need radioactivity for?

You need radioactivity, for many things such as x-rays.


Which elents cannot be diffused by radioactivity also?

Radioactivity has nothing to do with diffusion.


Is radioactivity extensive or intensive?

is radioactivity extensive or intensive or chemical property