Radioactivity — Chemistry Definition | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

What is Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation (alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) from unstable atomic nuclei as they decay to more stable configurations. Discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896, radioactivity is characterised by the activity (decays per second, measured in becquerels) and the half-life. Applications include nuclear medicine, carbon dating, nuclear power, and smoke detectors.

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Term Radioactivity

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What is Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation (alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays) from unstable atomic nuclei as they decay to more stable configurations. Discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896, radioactivity is characterised by the activity (decays per second, measured in becquerels) and the half-life. Applications include nuclear medicine, carbon dating, nuclear power, and smoke detectors.

More "R" Terms

R-group R-group: variable side chain; amino acid: H₂N-CH(R)-COOH Radiation I = I₀·e^(−μx) Radical Radioactive Dating Radioactive Decay Rate = k × [A]^m (half-life: t½ = 0.693/k for first order) Radioactive Tracer Radioactivity A(Z,N) → decay products; λ = ln2/t₁/₂ Radium Ra Radon Rn Raoult's Law P_A = x_A × P°_A Raoult's Law Rate Constant Rate = k[A]^m[B]^n; k = A·e^(-Ea/RT)

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