How to Discuss Spontaneous Decay

On the Discovery channel and in the newspaper we hear the terms radioactive decay, spontaneous decay, alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays and half life. Learn about these terms and you will be able to discuss these ideas yourself.

Instructions

1. Know that all matter is made of atoms; protons and neutrons compose the nucleus of atoms. Electrons of atoms are located far outside of the nucleus. Electrons can look like a cloud around the nucleus. Look at a Periodic Table to see exactly how many electrons are in each element to discuss spontaneous decay, atoms and nuclei.

2. Understand that scientists today have discovered additional particles like positrons, neutrinos, antineutrinos, and alpha, beta and gamma (or photon) rays in the nucleus of atoms.

3. Discover how spontaneous decay means that one nucleus changes into another nucleus without any outside influence. The original nucleus is called the parent nucleus, the new one the daughter nucleus.

4. Expand your knowledge to understand the difference between alpha, beta and gamma decay. Alpha decay is the process whereby an unstable nucleus releases a two-proton-two-neutron particle; in beta decay, an unstable nucleus releases an electron; gamma ray decay is the release of photons after an unstable excited nucleus goes through beta decay.

5. Apply what you know about spontaneous decay to carbon dating, because carbon dating is a form of beta decay. It is related to the ratio between carbon-14 from cosmic rays (particles of high-energy force from outer space) and carbon-12 found in the bodies of living things.