Types of Radioactivity

Types of Radioactivity

The unstable radioactive elements show nuclear decay which is a spontaneous cleavage of an atomic nucleus with the formation of some other nucleus and release a certain amount of energy.
Since radioisotopes have unstable nuclei which do not have enough binding energy to hold the nucleus together and constantly try to get stabilize.

This process of transformation of one unstable nucleus to stable nuclei by the emission of energy in the form of radiation is called as transmutation. The nuclear decay and transmutation process will continue until a new formed element also called as daughter nuclei has a stable nucleus and not radioactive in nature.

The radioactive decay or transmutation can occur naturally or by artificial means. On this basis, transmutation classified as two types.

1. Natural radioactivity
2. Artificial radioactivity