radioactive decay

Definitions of radioactive decay
  1. noun
    the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
    synonyms: decay, disintegration
    see moresee less
    types:
    alpha decay
    radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle
    beta decay
    radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle
    type of:
    nuclear reaction
    (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei
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