Radioactivity SI Unit Explained

Radioactivity is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, such as an alpha particle, beta particle, or gamma ray, thus transforming into a different nucleus, often of a different element.

The SI unit for measuring the rate of radioactive decay (radioactivity) is the Becquerel (Bq).

• One Becquerel (Bq) represents one radioactive decay event per second. The formula is: $1 \text{ Bq} = 1 \text{ decay/s}$.

Understanding Other Radioactivity Units

While Becquerel is the official SI unit, other units are sometimes encountered:

• Curie (Ci): An older unit, often used historically. $1 \text{ Ci} = 3.7 \times 10^{10}$ decays per second. It's approximately the radioactivity of 1 gram of radium-226. While common, it is not the SI standard.
• Rutherford (Rd): Another non-SI unit, equal to $10^6$ decays per second. $1 \text{ Rd} = 10^6 \text{ Bq}$.
• Faraday (F): This unit relates to electric charge, not radioactivity.

Conclusion

The internationally recognized SI unit for radioactivity is the Becquerel (Bq), signifying one decay per second.