Quantum decay refers to the process by which unstable particles, such as certain isotopes of uranium or carbon, lose energy and transform into more stable forms over time. This phenomenon is governed by the principles of quantum mechanics, which describe how particles behave at the atomic and subatomic levels. The rate of decay is often characterized by a half-life, the time it takes for half of a sample to decay. In quantum decay, the exact moment a particle will decay is unpredictable, but the overall behavior of a large number of particles can be statistically described. This randomness is a fundamental aspect of quantum systems, highlighting the difference between classical and quantum physics. Understanding quantum decay is essential in fields like nuclear physics and radiometric dating.