What term is used to describe the energy released as particles or rays during radioactive decay?

The term that describes the energy released as particles or rays during radioactive decay is radiation. This encompasses the various forms of energy emitted when unstable atomic nuclei release energy to reach a more stable state. Radiation can take several forms, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, all of which result from the decay process.

While radioactivity refers to the process by which unstable nuclei undergo decay and emit radiation, it doesn't specifically denote the energy released. Similarly, nuclear energy is a broader term that describes the energy harnessed from nuclear reactions, including both fusion and fission, and isn’t limited to the decay process alone. Decay energy is not a commonly used term in this context, making radiation the most accurate choice to describe the emitted energy during radioactive decay.