Chapter 8

Radioactivity

Radiation from unstable atoms, its types, uses and dangers, and half-life — with an interactive exercise.

Radioactivity is the release of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei.

The three main types are alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Radioactivity has useful applications (medicine, power) but can be dangerous, so it must be handled with care. The half-life is the time for half of a radioactive sample to decay.

Remember

  • Three types: alpha, beta, gamma.
  • Half-life = time for half the sample to decay.

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