Radioactive Decay

Types of Radiation and Half-Life

During radioactive decay, particles or waves called radiation are emitted. There are three main types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, cause a change in the atomic number of the atom. Beta particles, high-energy electrons or positrons, lead to a change in the atomic number as well. Gamma rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, are released during a transition to a lower-energy state. The rate of radioactive decay is measured using half-life, which represents the time taken for half of the original sample to decay.