Question

state the laws of radioactive decay . define the term decay constant for a radioactive substance

Answer 1

Radioactivity is the phenomenon exhibited by the nuclei of an atom as a result of nuclear instability. It is a process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation. Radioactivity was discovered by Henry Becquerel completely by accident. He wrapped a sample of a Uranium compound in a black paper and put it in a drawer that contained photographic plates. On examining these plates later, he found that they had already been exposed. This phenomenon was termed as Radioactive Decay. The element or isotope which emits radiation and undergoes the process of radioactivity is called Radioactive Element.