Decay chain
Decay chain
A decay chain, also known as a radioactive series, is a sequence of radioactive decay processes in which the decay of one radioactive isotope leads to the formation of another radioactive isotope, which then decays into another, and so on, until a stable isotope is formed. This process is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics and radiochemistry.
Types of Decay[edit | edit source]
In a decay chain, various types of radioactive decay can occur, including:
- Alpha decay: The emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons).
- Beta decay: The transformation of a neutron into a proton with the emission of an electron (beta-minus decay) or the transformation of a proton into a neutron with the emission of a positron (beta-plus decay).
- Gamma decay: The emission of gamma radiation, which is high-energy electromagnetic radiation.
Common Decay Chains[edit | edit source]
There are several well-known decay chains, each starting with a different parent isotope:
- Uranium series (or Radium series): Begins with Uranium-238 and ends with Lead-206.
- Actinium series: Begins with Uranium-235 and ends with Lead-207.
- Thorium series: Begins with Thorium-232 and ends with Lead-208.
- Neptunium series: Begins with Neptunium-237 and ends with Bismuth-209.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Decay chains have several important applications:
- Radiometric dating: Used to determine the age of rocks and fossils.
- Nuclear medicine: Used in diagnostic imaging and treatment.
- Nuclear power: Understanding decay chains is crucial for managing nuclear reactors and radioactive waste.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
- Half-life: The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
- Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
- Isotope: Variants of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron number.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Nuclear physics
- Radiochemistry
- Radiometric dating
- Nuclear medicine
- Nuclear power
- Half-life
- Radioactive decay
- Isotope
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
