radioaktivitást

Radioaktivitást is the spontaneous breakdown of unstable atomic nuclei, releasing energy and particles. This process results in the transformation of one element into another. The phenomenon was discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896 and further studied by Marie and Pierre Curie. Radioactive decay occurs at a characteristic rate for each isotope, known as its half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

There are three main types of radioactive emissions: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are helium nuclei, beta particles are electrons or positrons, and gamma rays are high-energy photons. These emissions can have different penetrating powers and effects on living tissues.

Radioactivity has numerous applications, including in medicine for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, in industry for sterilization and material analysis, and in dating ancient artifacts and geological formations through radiometric dating. However, exposure to high levels of radioactivity can be harmful, causing cellular damage and increasing the risk of cancer. Therefore, careful handling and shielding are essential when working with radioactive materials. The study of radioactivity has significantly advanced our understanding of atomic structure and nuclear physics.