Decay product

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When an unstable atomic nucleus undergoes radioactive decay, it makes a decay product. This product is the remaining nuclide left over after the decay process. Decay often occurs in a order called a decay chain, where one nuclide changes into another through a series of steps.^[1] For example, uranium-238 decays to thorium-234, which further decays to protactinium-234m, and so on, until it reaches a stable isotope like lead-206. These decay products are crucial for understanding radioactivity and managing radioactive waste.

1. ↑ "Radioactive Half-Life". hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu. Retrieved 2024-06-14.