Section 1
Radioactivity
Book
Version 33
By Boundless
By Boundless
Boundless Chemistry
Chemistry
by Boundless
5 concepts
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Discovery of Radioactivity
Becquerel accidentally found that a uranium-rich mineral emitted invisible, penetrating rays that could darken a photographic plate.
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Modes of Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus emits particles or light waves.
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Rate of Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay rate is exponential and is characterized by constants, such as half-life, as well the activity and number of particles.
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Half-Life of Radioactive Decay
The half-life is a parameter for the rate of decay that is related to the decay constant by:
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Dating Using Radioactive Decay
Radiometric dating is used to date materials using the decay rate of a radioactive isotope.