Radioactivity

Redirect to:

  • Radioactive decay
  • Mentioned in a hatnote: This is a redirect from a title that is mentioned in a hatnote at the redirect target. The mention is usually atop the target article. It may, however, be directly under a section header, or in another article's hatnote (whenever the hatnote is under a section, {{R to section}} should also be used).
    • The titles of redirects mentioned in hatnotes may refer to a subject other than that of the target page. It is possible that this redirect may need to be retargeted, or become an article under its own title (see {{R with possibilities}}). If the title is a good candidate for a Wiktionary link, it may also be added.

The local presence of nuclear radiation arising from the radioactive decay of radionuclides. The unit of radioactivity from the System International of units (SI system) is the becquerel (Bq) defined as the radioactive decay or disintegration of one radionuclide per second. Radioactivity is a measure of the total, local rate of radionuclides decaying per unit time and is dependent upon the total number of atoms, decay constants, and all decay branching pathways for each radionuclide present. See sections under radioactive decay entitled, "units of radioactivity" and "radioactive decay rates." For the origin and levels of radioactivity seen in all earth-bound measurements arising from cosmic and terrestrial radionuclides see background radiation.