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modern physics bynuwaha louis

modern physics

In modern physics, radioactivity refers to the spontaneous process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves, transforming into a more stable nucleus, often accompanied by the release of heat and radiation; this process is known as radioactive decay and is a fundamental aspect of nuclear physics, with key types including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. 

Key points about radioactivity in modern physics:
  • Unstable nuclei:
    Only certain atomic nuclei are radioactive, meaning they are unstable and prone to decay, emitting radiation to reach a more stable state
  • Types of radioactive decay:
    • Alpha decay: Emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) from the nucleus, typically occurring in heavy elements. 
      Beta decay: Emission of a beta particle (electron or positron) from the nucleus, changing the atomic number of the atom. 
  • Gamma decay: Emission of high-energy gamma rays from an excited nucleus, often occurring alongside ot
  • Half-life:
    The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay, a key parameter used to measure the rate of radioactive decay. 
    Applications of radioactivity:

    • Radiocarbon dating: Using the decay of Carbon-14 to determine the age of organic materials 
      Medical imaging: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans utilize radioactive isotopes to diagnose diseases
  • Radiation therapy: Utilizing radioactive isotopes to treat cancer 
    Nuclear forces:
  • The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons within the nucleus, and its instability in certain nuclei leads to radioactive decay. 

physics - radioactivity by kijjambu francis

Under radioactivity, an unstable nucleus will decompose spontaneously, or decay, into a more stable configuration but will do so only in a few specific ways by emitting certain particles or certain forms of electromagnetic energy. Radioactive decay is a property of several naturally occurring elements as well as of artificially produced isotopes of the elements. The rate at which a radioactive element decays is expressed in terms of its half-life; i.e., the time required for one-half of any given quantity of the isotope to decay. Half-lives range from more than 1024 years for some nuclei to less than 10−23 second (see below)

 

radioactivity process

PHYSICS LIGHT BY KIWANUKA SOLOMON

light is defined as natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible: