Radiaktiva

Radiaktiva refers to the property of certain atomic nuclei to spontaneously transform into a more stable form, releasing energy in the process. This transformation is known as radioactive decay. The particles and energy emitted during decay are called radiation. There are several types of radioactive decay, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay, each involving the emission of different particles or energy.

The rate at which a radioactive substance decays is characterized by its half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. Half-lives can vary widely, from fractions of a second to billions of years, depending on the specific isotope.

Radioactivity has numerous applications, including medical imaging and treatment (radiotherapy), industrial gauging, and dating ancient artifacts (radiometric dating). However, exposure to high levels of radiation can be harmful to living organisms, causing cellular damage and increasing the risk of cancer. Therefore, safety precautions are essential when working with radioactive materials. The study of radioactivity is a fundamental part of nuclear physics and has played a significant role in our understanding of the atom and the universe.