Radioactive Decay – the process for a nucleus to achieve stability by decaying into a more stable form by either ejecting part of itself (through alpha-decay), converting neutrons to protons (betadecay) or ejecting excess energy (gamma decay). This process is spontaneous and random.
Spontaneous – unaffected by environmental factors such as temperature or pressure
Random – no way of knowing which nucleus will decay next
Background Radiation – naturally occurring radioactive decay of isotopes present in rocks, soil etc.
