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An isotope of an element that has an unstable nucleus and exhibits radioactive decay. Example: Iodine-131 is used in medical imaging and treatment.

A process in which an inner electron is captured by the nucleus, transforming a proton into a neutron. Example: Potassium-40 capturing an electron to become Argon-40.

The minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.

A unit of energy absorbed per unit mass of tissue, used to measure the dose of ionizing radiation. 1 rad = 0.01 joule per kilogram.

The process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. Example: The fusion of Hydrogen into Helium in the core of the Sun.

A device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction, for the production of energy or artificial radioactive isotopes.

The time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive nuclide to decay. Example: The half-life of Carbon-14 is approximately 5730 years.

A type of beta decay in which a positron is emitted from an atom's nucleus. Example: Potassium-40 decaying to Argon-40.

A method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of the radioisotope carbon-14.

A unit of effective radiation dose that measures the risk associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. 1 rem = 1 rad × QF (Quality Factor).

An atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. This condition can lead to radioactivity.

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus as a result of gamma decay, often accompanying alpha or beta decay. Example: Cobalt-60 emits gamma rays along with beta particles.

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

The process of splitting a large, unstable nucleus into two smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy. Example: Uranium-235 undergoing fission after absorbing a neutron.

A type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is emitted from an atom's nucleus. Example: Beryllium-13 decaying to Carbon-13.

An instrument used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. Example: Measuring the radioactivity of a sample in a lab.

A high-speed electron or positron emitted during beta decay. Example: Carbon-14 decaying to Nitrogen-14 by beta emission.

The emission of energy in the form of waves or particles.

A series of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to take place. Example: In a nuclear reactor, one fission event often induces further fission events.