Some nuclei of certain elements decay radioactively into nuclei of different elements. These decays can be useful or annoying depending on the context. This is especially true for potassium-40. This ...

The element radium can be found in extremely tiny amounts in the Earth’s crust and oceans, and in its pure form it is a soft silvery metal. To an untrained eye, a small piece of radium may look like a ...

In contrast to classical physics, multi-particle decay is a phenomenon unique to the quantum world. Magnesium-18 exemplifies such an exotic system, positioned far from the dripline. Spitting out ...

Nuclear decay and fusion dynamics constitute central pillars in modern nuclear physics, with implications ranging from energy production and astrophysical phenomena to the synthesis of novel elements.

In this lesson, students will simulate the randomness of decay in radioactive atoms and visualize the half-life of a sample radioactive element. This lesson can be completed in two (2) 45-minute class ...

In the quest for ultra-precise timekeeping, scientists have turned to nuclear clocks. Unlike optical atomic clocks—which rely on electronic transitions—nuclear clocks utilize the energy transitions in ...

Most nuclear energy is thermal. All that complex nuclear physics and chemistry serve merely to create steam that spins a turbine, the same as any combustion-based power plant does. But what if you ...

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. “What is radium and why is it dangerous?” – ...

The element radium can be found in extremely tiny amounts in the Earth’s crust and oceans, and in its pure form it is a soft silvery metal. To an untrained eye, a small piece of radium may look like a ...