Alpha radiation is a type of energy released when certain radioactive elements decay or break down. For example, uranium and thorium are two radioactive elements found naturally in the earthâs crust. Over billions of years, these two elements slowly change form and produce âdecay productsâ such as radium and radon.
Before the big race, a two week Kentucky Derby Festival takes place with events for the whole family. Then, as usual, the race will take place on the first Saturday in May 2016. On the big day, the contenders will line-up to race around a 1.25 mile track.
The date of each event is now set by the Kentucky Derby, which is always held on the first Saturday in May. The Preakness Stakes is currently held two weeks later; and the Belmont Stakes is held three weeks after the Preakness (five weeks after the Derby). The earliest possible date for the Derby is May 1, and the latest is May 7; the earliest possible date for the Belmont is thus June 5, and the latest is June 11.