Short-lived radioisotopes such as aluminum-26 influenced early solar system heat, water retention and the formation of Earth-like rocky planets, according to meteorite analyses and models.

In recent years, some large physics experiments worldwide have been trying to gather evidence of a nuclear process known as neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay. This is a rare process that entails ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Scientists have gained insights into the weak nuclear force from new, more sensitive studies of the beta decays of the 'mirror' nuclei lithium-8 and boron-8. The weak nuclear force drives the process ...

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 [email protected]. “What is radium and why is it dangerous?” – ...

Nuclear power is considered one of the ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but how to deal with nuclear waste products is a concern. Radioactive waste products can be turned into more stable ...

Outdone only by nuclear fusion, the process of nuclear fission releases enormous amounts of energy. The ‘spicy rocks’ that are at the core of both natural and artificial fission reactors are generally ...