What Does Radioactive Mean?

A process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy is known as radioactive process. It is also known as radioactive decay and the element which is unstable is known as radioactive element. Energy is released by the emission of the radiations. As a result of this radioactive decay, two types of atoms are produced; one is parent nuclide and the other is daughter nuclide. You can take the example of carbon-14 atom (the "parent"), which emits radiation and is transformed to a nitrogen-14 atom (the "daughter").

The word "radioactive" is an adjective that refers to something as being, causing or exhibiting radioactivity. In an informal sense it refers to something as being extremely controversial or sensitive. Radioactivity which the word radioactive refers to means a spontaneous type of emission of radiation. It can be a result of a nuclear reaction or directly from some atomic nuclei that is unstable. The word radioactive can be used in several ways including radioactive contamination, and radioactive opinions. The later term refers to views and opinions that are so radical in nature that they tend to damage the image of the person itself.