What Is Radioactivity?

“What is radioactivity?”

Thanks for your question, Jude.

When God made the world about 6,000 years ago, he made everything out of tiny building blocks called atoms. Atoms make up everything, from the tree in your yard to the shoes on your feet to the electronic device you are looking at right now.

The center of an atom is called the nucleus (NOO-klee-us). Radioactivity happens when the nucleus releases energy in the form of small particles.

Radioactivity can be dangerous to humans. It can change or damage the cells in our bodies. These changes can lead to cancer.

But scientists have discovered how to use radiation for good, too. For example, doctors use radiation to take X-rays and for some medicines. Another form of radiation is nuclear energy, which is used to generate electricity.

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