Final answer:
Radioactive elements go beyond uranium on the periodic table. There are three types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Atoms go through radioactive decay to become more stable. Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Beyond what element are things radioactive?
Things can be radioactive beyond the element uranium (element 92) on the periodic table. Elements such as plutonium (element 94) and radium (element 88) are also radioactive.
2. How many types of radiation are there?
There are three main types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons, beta particles are either electrons or positrons, and gamma rays are high-energy photons.
3. Why do atoms go through radioactive decay?
Atoms go through radioactive decay because they are trying to become more stable. Unstable atoms have an excess of either protons or neutrons, and by undergoing radioactive decay, they can release excess energy and particles to become more stable.
4. What is half-life?
Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay. It is a measure of the rate at which a radioactive substance undergoes decay.
Elements with atomic numbers above 83 are typically radioactive. Radioactive decay is the result of an unstable atomic nucleus seeking stability, and radiation occurs in three types: alpha, beta, and gamma. The term half-life refers to the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
In general, elements with atomic numbers greater than 83 (bismuth) are naturally radioactive. There are three main types of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Radioactive decay happens because an atom's nucleus is unstable, and in order to reach a stable form or configuration, it emits radiation. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to decay.
Learn more about Radioactivity