Question: What is radioactivity?1.Info: Radioactivity is a natural process in which atoms spontaneously separate and transform into smaller atoms. During separation, they emit radioactive radiation. Radiation is everywhere and in everything. From the floor to the products you use. You cannot detect radiation with your senses. This is not a problem because in most cases radiation is not bad for your health. Your body is also a small source of radiation. Some substances radiate more than others. Source: What is radioactivity? (nd). Accessed December 16, 2013, http://epz.nl/kernenergie/radioactivity/wat-radioactivity Useful information: Radioactivity is a natural process in which atoms separate into smaller atoms. During separation, they emit radioactive radiation.2.Info: Radioactivity is the emission of radiation by atoms. Each atom has positively charged protons and neutral neutrons and is surrounded by negatively charged electrons. Usually the particles are in equilibrium. But sometimes the balance of the atom is disrupted because electrons escape. The atom corrects this by emitting alpha, beta or gamma radiation. Because the composition of the atom changes, a new atom is created. If this atom is unstable again, it continues like this. Until a stable atom remains, which can take a long time. Atoms that exhibit this phenomenon are called radioactive. Radioactive radiation is therefore an incorrect formulation because it is not the radiation that is radioactive but the atom that disintegrates. Examples of radioactive substances used daily are iodine, cesium, strontium, plutonium and uranium. Most...... middle of paper ...... separates from a heavier element with atomic number x-2, which is an alpha particle composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Alpha particles can be easily stopped: 5 cm of air or a sheet of paper is sufficient protection against alpha particles. Beta: When radioactive atoms split, beta rays (beta radiation) can also be released at high speed and energy, beta radiation is more penetrating than alpha radiation: it is only stopped by a plate aluminum, double glazing or a brick wall. Gamma: Gamma radiation (γ rays) is electromagnetic radiation. A gamma ray, like light, is made up of a photon that can be created when a radioactive particle has excreted an α or β part. Gamma rays are very penetrating and can only be stopped by a lead plate several tens of centimeters thick..