What Is Radioactive Decay?

When radioactive decay happens, it takes a number one of a number of forms. Some isotopes release alpha particles which are essentially the core of a helium atom with two protons and two neutrons. Others release bata particles, which are electrons or positrons. And still others release neutrons. When these particles are released, they interact with the atoms near them to cause various effects. One such effect is heat, which is why nuclear bombs and nuclear reactors generate heat. Another can be a kinetic ast, like when the neutrons emitted by uranium atoms cause an uncontrolled chain reaction and make a nuclear bomb explode.