Daughter Atom
A stable atom that results from the decay of a radioactive atom/isotope/atom.
Radioactive Decay
The process in which a radioactive spontaneously releases particles and/or energy.
Geiger counter
An instrumnet that detects the particles emmitted by decaying atoms.
Half-life
The time required for one of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Isotope
One of several forms of the same element.
Neutron
A particle with no charge located in the nucleus of an atom.
Radiation
Energy in the form of waves or particles that is emitted from an object and travels through space or through a medium such as air in alpha beta or gamma rays
Radioactive
Capable of releasing radiation.
Radiometric dating
A method of determining the age of material that is based on measuring the proportions of radioactive atoms and daughter atoms in the material.
