โ™ป๏ธap environmental science review

Radioactive decay

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The process by which unstable radioactive elements lose energy and mass over time, with the rate determined by the element's half-life.

AP course connection

Topic 6.6: 6.6 Nuclear Power

Unit 6

"Radioactive decay" also found in: