Which term refers to the energy released from radioactive material?

The term that refers to the energy released from radioactive material is "radiation." In the context of radioactivity, radiation encompasses the various forms of energy emitted during the decay process of unstable atomic nuclei. When these nuclei undergo decay, they release particles or electromagnetic waves, which collectively are termed radiation. This energy can take various forms, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and other high-energy particles.

Choosing "radiation" reflects an understanding of this process and the nature of the energy emitted during radioactive decay. In contrast, decay specifically describes the process by which unstable isotopes transform into more stable ones, whereas conduction and convection are terms related to heat transfer rather than the release of energy from radioactive materials. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of radiation in the context of radioactive materials.