5.2.1

Radioactivity

Test yourself

Radioactivity

An atom can have an unstable nucleus. An unstable nucleus can become more stable over time by randomly and spontaneously emitting ionising radiation. This process is called radioactive decay.

Illustrative background for Radioactive substancesIllustrative background for Radioactive substances ?? "content

Radioactive substances

  • Substances that decay radioactively are “radioactive substances”.
Illustrative background for Decay is random and spontaneousIllustrative background for Decay is random and spontaneous ?? "content

Decay is random and spontaneous

  • Being random means that we cannot predict when an individual atom will emit (produce) ionising radiation.
    • The direction of emission is random.
  • Being spontaneous means that the process happens on its own, without any outside cause or trigger.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium