What is the difference between Radiation and Radioactive Materials?

Radiation in the form of radiant particles or rays, is the result of a nuclear disintegration. 

Radioactive materials are atoms that have stored energy and may disintegrate in the future, releasing radiation.

However, exactly when they will disintegrate is a very interesting thing.  It depends on probability and half-life.

What is Meant by Half-life?

A radioactive material with a short half-life will decay sooner, so it gives up its stored energy much faster.  That makes is more radioactive and harder to handle and work with.

A radioactive material with a long half-life will decay later, so it gives up its stored energy much more slowly.  That makes it less radioactive and easier to handle and work with.

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