Radioactive nuclides in nature
Abstract The decay of a radionuclide is a statistical process in the sense that it is not possible to predict exactly when a particular nucleus will disintegrate. A radionuclide, upon undergoing disintegration of a particular type, yields a specified nuclide. The original radionuclide is called the parent and the decay product is called the daughter. The daughter may also be a radionuclide. Radionuclides which can be found in the environment can be divided into three groups: Naturally occurring nuclides of very long half-life which have persisted since the formation of the Earth, and their shorter lived daughter nuclides; Naturally occurring nuclides which have short half-lives on the geological time scale, but which are being continuously produced by cosmic-ray radiation; Radionuclides released into the environment due to man’s activity and accident. Radioactivity of the soil, water, and air is discussed separately and in details. An extensive list of books and articles on the subject of radioactivity in the environment is presented.