What is Radioactivity?

The atoms of an element often come in Several different forms or isotopes. Each form has a different number of neutrons in its nucleus, indicated in the name , as in carbon – 12 and carbon -14. The nuclei of some of these isotopes the one scientists call radioisotopes – are unstable , and decay ( break up ). As they break up , they release radiation, consisting of streams of particles called alpha, beta , and gamma rays. This is Radioactivity.