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Glossary Atomic Weapons / Term

Radioactivity

The spontaneous emission of radiation, generally alpha or beta particles, often accompanied by gamma rays, from the nuclei of an unstable isotope. As a result of this emission the radioactive isotope is converted (or decays) into the isotope of a different (daughter) element which may or may not be unstable. Ultimately, as a result of one or more stages of radioactive decay, a stable (nonradioactive) end product is formed.

See Isotope.

Permanent link Radioactivity - Creation date 2020-04-26


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