What Is Radioactive Decay And How Does It Work?

💡 The Answer

• Radioactive decay is the process where an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy as radiation to become more stable.
• Materials with unstable nuclei are called radioactive because they naturally undergo this energy-releasing transformation.
• The three main types of decay are alpha, beta, and gamma, each differing in particles emitted and energy involved.
• Beta decay is driven by the weak force, while alpha and gamma decay involve nuclear and electromagnetic forces.