Nuclear decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy in the form of radiation, resulting in the formation of a more stable nucleus.
A half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a more stable form. It is a constant rate characteristic of each type of radioactive material.
By measuring the amount of radioactive material and its half-life, scientists can determine the age of a material or artifact through a process called radioactive dating. This is based on the principle that the amount of radioactive material decreases over time, allowing for the calculation of how much time has passed since the material was formed.
There are three main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the release of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. Beta decay involves the release of a beta particle, which can be either an electron or a positron. Gamma decay involves the release of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons.
Nuclear decay has many practical applications, including in the fields of energy production, medical imaging and treatments, and carbon dating. Nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear decay to produce electricity, while medical professionals use it for diagnosing and treating diseases. Carbon dating uses the predictable rate of decay of carbon-14 to determine the age of organic materials.