What is the process called when radiation disintegrates or breaks up?

The process when radiation disintegrates or breaks up is known as radioactive decay. This phenomenon occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, which can take the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. As a result, the original nucleus transforms into a different element or a different state of the same element, leading to a decrease in its radioactive activity over time.

Radioactive decay is a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry and physics, providing insight into the stability of different isotopes and how they change over time. It is intimately connected to various applications, including dating archaeological finds, understanding nuclear reactions, and medical treatments that utilize radioactive isotopes.

The other options pertain to different processes: ionization involves the removal of electrons from atoms, nuclear fission refers to the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei with the release of energy, and electromagnetic wave emission refers to the release of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as light, rather than disintegration of the nucleus itself.