disintegration of a nucleus that occurs spontaneously or as a result of electron capture. One or more different nuclei are formed and usually particles and gamma rays are emitted
Sometimes shortened to: decay. Also called: disintegration
Examples of 'radioactive decay' in a sentence
radioactive decay
The most common types of radioactive decay are alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
For years, scientists had struggled to explain a particular aspect of radioactive decay.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The probability that the signals were the result of ordinary radioactive decay or cosmic rays was, they said, about one in four.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The isotope emits alpha particles, one of the three main kinds of ionising radiation produced by radioactive decay.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The phosphorus nuclei underwent radioactive decay by emitting an electron, becoming nuclei of atoms of sulphur.