What is it?

Radioactive elements are those that have a high atomic number as a result they are unstable.$^1$

Radioactive Decay

Decay time is the amount of time that it takes to decay fully.$^1$

Half life

The amount of time for the element to decay 50%.$^1$

Types

There are three types:

• Alpha
• Beta
• Gamma

Alpha Decay

In alpha decay helium particles are emitted.$^1$

General Formula:

$$ {}^A_ZX \rightarrow {}^{A-4}_{Z-2}Y + {}^4_2He $$

Where X is any radioactive element. A is the atomic mass, Z is the atomic number.$^1$

Example: $^1$

If ${}^{238}_{92}U$ decays what are the products?

Answer:${}^{238}{92}U \rightarrow {}^{234}{90}Th + {}^4_2He$

Beta Decay

Beta decay is the spontaneous emission of an electron(beta negative decay) or positron(beta positive decay).$^1$

Two types:$^1$