Radioactivity

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 * R**adioactivity is a part of our earth -- it has existed all along. Naturally occurring radioactive materials are present in its crust, the floors and walls of our homes, schools, or offices and in the food we eat and drink. There are radioactive gases in the air we breathe. Our own bodies -- muscles, bones, and tissue -- contain naturally occurring radioactive elements.

__So what is it? - Key facts about nuclear radiation__:
It is emitted from the **nucleus** of an atom (hence the name **nuclear** radiation)

It comes from **unstable** elements, which normally have a large nucleus - but not always.

Unstable elements can make themselves more stable by emitting some of their particles or some energy. When an unstable element emits a particle, or a burst of energy, it is called a **radioactive decay**.

There are three types of **radioactive decay** that you will need to study for your GCSEs:
 * **Alpha**
 * **Beta**
 * **Gamma**

Click on each one to find out more

Quiz**
 * [|The uses of radiation]