The key difference between radioactivity and radiation is that radioactivity is the process by which certain elements release radiation whereas radiation is the energy or energetic particles that are released by radioactive elements.. Click on the desired term from the list to retrieve the definition for the term. Radioactivity 2. Key terms ⢠Atom ⢠Nucleus ⢠Protons ⢠Neutrons ⢠Ions ⢠Atomic number ⢠Mass number ⢠Radioactive ⢠Radiation ⢠Alpha particle ⢠Beta particle ⢠Gamma particle ⢠Ionising power ⢠Isotope ⢠Half-life ⢠Penetration ⢠⦠This represents how many atoms in the material decay in a given time period. Start studying Key terms radioactivity and nuclear reactions. Radioactivity 1. Great job! Thus, it was a chance discovery by ⦠In this case the element will emit radiation in the form of positively charged particles called alpha particles. Alpha decay - Alpha decay is caused when there are too many protons in a nucleus. Resources and Related Terms. 19.1 Radioactivity and Nuclear Equationsâ radioactivity, or radioactive decay, is the process that occurs when radioactive nuclides emit alpha (α) particles, beta (β-) particles, gamma (γ) rays (high-frequency electromagnetic radiation); or positrons, In a fifth type of radioactivity, electron capture (EC), a nucleus absorbs one of the ⦠Radiation Terms and Definitions. Scientific terms can be confusing. isotope - atoms of the same element that have a different number of neutrons?, proton - positively charged subatomic particle?, electron - negatively charged subatomic particle?, atom - the smallest part of an element that contains its properties. So, what is radioactivity? This page provides a list of general terms that are used to describe aspects of radiation science. You knew a lot about the basics of how radioactivity and nuclear decay work. Abstract. Whether it emits alpha or beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, or neutrons, a quantity of radioactive material is expressed in terms of its radioactivity (or simply its activity). Radioactivity is the term given to the breaking-up (decay) or rearrangement of an atom's nucleus. Decay occurs naturally and ⦠There are three main types of radiation or radioactive decay depending on the isotope. If you feel a bit shaky about some of the concepts, you can review how radioactivity works and why isotopes undergo radioactive decay. The key difference between natural and artificial radioactivity is that the natural radioactivity in the form of radioactivity takes place on its own in nature whereas when it is induced by man in laboratories, it is called artificial radioactivity.. Man did not invent the process of radioactivity; it was there, existing in the universe since time immemorial. Understanding radioactive decay by experimenting with coins. DOE Explains offers straightforward explanations of key words and concepts in fundamental science. Radioactivity refers to the amount of ionizing radiation released by a material. Concept Review with Key Terms . From here, gain a practical understanding of common radioactive materials you might encounter in daily life. Radioactivity was a natural process, existing in the universe since time immemorial. The aim of this report is to show how to simulate the radioactive decay process using coins as a safer method of learning, the report is divided into six parts: Introduction: radioactivity, radioactive decay, half-life and the main purpose of the experiments are explained here. Different Types of Radioactivity. Learn about the different types of radiation in this physics video from the virtual school. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. ?, radioactive decay - the process by which an unstable element releases energy or a particle to become another stable element, radioactive ⦠Institute of Physics Radioactivity Topic Explainer; Discovery of Radioactivity; Comparing Radiation Doses; Oak Ridge National Laboratory Targeted Alpha Therapy Video .