Decay chain

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002891",
  "term": "Decay chain",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A series of radioactive nuclear decays where an unstable nuclide transforms into a sequence of different nuclides until a stable nuclide is formed. Each step in the chain involves the emission of radiation, such as alpha or beta particles. The uranium-238 decay chain is a well-known example, ending with lead-206.",
  "synonyms": [
    "radioactive chain",
    "radioactive series"
  ],
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "nuclear decay",
    "nuclide",
    "stable"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 2513. 'Nomenclature for radioanalytical chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 2518 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466122513)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/decay-chain/"
}