What is radioactive decay?
A spontaneous change in an unstable atomic nucleus.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028) · 5.2.3
Revise Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028) specification point 5.2.3, Radioactive decay, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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What is radioactive decay?
A spontaneous change in an unstable atomic nucleus.
What three types of radiation can radioactive decay produce?
Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation.
What does it mean that radioactive decay is spontaneous?
It occurs without an external trigger.
What does it mean that radioactive decay is random?
The time at which an individual unstable nucleus will decay cannot be predicted.
What happens to the element when a nucleus undergoes alpha or beta decay?
The nucleus changes into the nucleus of a different element.
What happens to a nucleus when it emits gamma radiation?
It releases energy without changing into a different element.