Electrical and Technology

What Are Radioactive Elements? Radioactive elements are those whose atomic nuclei are unstable and undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This instability arises from an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Over time, these elements transform into other isotopes or elements as they decay. Radioactive Element  Common Radioactive Elements Uranium (U)   Isotopes: Uranium-238 (most abundant, ~99% of natural uranium), Uranium-235 (fissionable, ~1%). Half-Life: U-238: ~4.5 billion years; U-235: ~700 million years. Natural Occurrence: Found in the Earth’s crust in minerals like uraninite (pitchblende). Uses: Nuclear power (U-235 for fission), nuclear weapons, depleted uranium for armor. Thorium (Th)   Isotope: Thorium-232 (primary naturally occurring form). Half-Life: ~14 billion years. Natural Occurrence: Found in thorite and monazite sands. Uses: Potential fuel for adva...