Chain decay

Chain decay, often referred to in nuclear physics, describes a series of radioactive decay processes where the product of one decay becomes the parent in the next. For example, when a radioactive element decays, it produces a different element, which may itself be radioactive and decay further. This sequence continues until a stable, non-radioactive element is formed. Each step in this "chain" has its unique half-life, the time it takes for half of the substance to decay. Understanding chain decay helps in fields like nuclear medicine and geology, where tracking element transformations is important.