Radioactive decay is the strange and almost mystical ability for one element to naturally and spontaneously transmute into another. In the process, those elements tend to emit deadly forms of ...

What these two processes share is baked into the math of each. In fact, in that respect, they're nearly identical. They both involve some stuff (atoms or money) that is either growing or shrinking.

For example, carbon-14 decays to nitrogen-14 when it emits beta radiation. As this breakdown occurs, the activity of any radioactive source becomes less. This activity is measured in becquerels.

Segment 7A: Radioactive Decay We explore the nature of radioactivity. Segment 7A: Radioactive Decay We explore the nature of radioactivity and describes the types of radioactive decay that occur.

JON CHASE:'Nuclear weapons, nuclear power stations 'and life-saving medical techniques, all use radioactivity. JON CHASE:'But what is it? 'Elements hold the key. JON CHASE:'Every element is defined by ...

Radioactive material gets a bad rap, what with radiation and fallout and nuclear waste and all. But it offers some practical uses. One of the coolest (OK, maybe the coolest) is using radioactive ...