radioactivity Definition
- 1the property of some elements and isotopes to spontaneously emit radiation as a result of nuclear decay
- 2the state or condition of being radioactive
Using radioactivity: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "radioactivity" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The radioactivity of the waste material will remain for thousands of years.
Example
Radioactivity can be used in medical treatments such as radiation therapy.
Example
The radioactivity of the soil was measured after the nuclear accident.
radioactivity Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for radioactivity
- radioactivity
- radiation
- nuclear radiation
- ionizing radiation
Phrases with radioactivity
the level of radiation that is always present in the environment
Example
The background radioactivity in the area was higher than normal due to the presence of natural radioactive materials.
the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting ionizing particles or radiation
Example
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the atoms to undergo radioactive decay.
the presence of radioactive substances on surfaces, objects, or living organisms where they are not normally found
Example
The workers had to wear protective clothing to avoid radioactive contamination while cleaning up the nuclear waste.
Summary: radioactivity in Brief
Radioactivity [ˌreɪdiəʊækˈtɪvɪti] refers to the property of certain elements and isotopes to spontaneously emit radiation due to nuclear decay. It is also used to describe the state of being radioactive. Examples of its use include radiation therapy and measuring the radioactivity of soil. Phrases like 'background radioactivity' and 'radioactive decay' are common, as is 'radioactive contamination,' which describes the presence of radioactive substances where they are not normally found.
