Decay chain
Decay Chain
A Decay Chain (pronunciation: /dɪˈkeɪ tʃeɪn/), also known as a radioactive series or radioactive cascade, is a sequence of radioactive decay processes by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This concept is fundamental in the field of nuclear physics and radiochemistry.
Etymology
The term "Decay Chain" is derived from the English words "decay" and "chain". "Decay" comes from the Old French décair, meaning "to fall away", while "chain" originates from the Old French chaeine, meaning "a series or sequence".
Description
In a Decay Chain, each unstable atomic nucleus decays into a different nucleus, until a stable nucleus is formed. The process continues until a stable isotope is reached. The time it takes for the decay chain to reach a stable isotope is called the half-life of the radioactive material.
The Decay Chain can be categorized into four types: the Uranium series, the Actinium series, the Thorium series, and the Neptunium series, named after the first element in each chain. Each series ends with a stable isotope of lead.
Related Terms
- Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
- Atomic nucleus: The small, dense region consisting of protons and neutrons at the center of an atom.
- Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
- Nuclear physics: The field of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their interactions.
- Radiochemistry: The chemistry of radioactive materials, where radioactive isotopes of elements are used to study the properties and chemical reactions of non-radioactive isotopes.
- Isotope: Each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
- Half-life: The time required for a quantity to reduce to half of its initial value.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Decay chain
- Wikipedia's article - Decay chain
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