Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Methods for Analyzing the Impacts of Natural Uranium on In Vitro Osteoclastogenesis
Published on: January 30, 2018
Chemical Consequences of Radioactive Decay and their Biological Implications
1School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research B1147, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison WI 53705, United States.
Abstract:
The chemical effects of radioactive decay arise from (1) transmutation, (2) formation of charged daughter nuclei, (3) recoil of the daughter nuclei, (4) electron "shakeoff" phenomenon and (5) vacancy cascade in decays via electron capture and internal conversion. This review aims to reiterate what has been known for a long time regarding the chemical consequences of radioactive decay and gives a historical perspective to the observations that led to their elucidation. The energetics of the recoil process in each decay mode is discussed in relation to the chemical bond between the decaying nucleus and the parent molecule. Special attention is given to the biological effects of the Auger process following decay by electron capture and internal conversion because of their possible utility in internal radiotherapy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Biological Effects of Radiation
Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating
Types of Radioactivity
Alpha (α) decay is the emission of an α particle from the nucleus. For example, polonium-210 undergoes α decay:
Isotopes and Radioisotopes
An isotope containing...
Radioactivity and Nuclear Equations
A nuclide of an element has a specific number of protons and...
Nuclear Stability
To hold positively charged protons together...

