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In order for an atom of an element that is not radioactive to become radioactive, the isotope has to change. This can happen as a result of neutron capture.
Neutron capture can simply change the isotope of an atom, as when cobalt-59, which is not radioactive, captures a neutron to become cobalt-60, which is radioactive.
Neutron capture can also result in immediate radioactive decay of the atom struck, even if it is not radioactive. For example helium-3 can capture a neutron to produce two atoms of hydrogen, one of hydrogen-3 and one of hydrogen-1.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoYes, they can. By alpha decay, beta minus decay and by spontaneous fission, one element undergoes a nuclear change and becomes another element. This is a nuclear transformation.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThey emit radiation randomly, but steadily, until it becomes stable. Once it is stable, it doesnt emit radiation anymore
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoyes
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How is a radioactive isotope different from a stable isotope?
The radioactive isotope is disintegrated in time and emit radiations.
What is the difference between and radioactive and stable isotope?
Radioactive isotopes emit radiation in the form of alpha, beta, positron or gamma rays to become a stable isotope of any given particular element. This is caused by the instability of the nucleus of the atom. The stabilising process in which unstable atoms undergo is known as radioactive decay. Isotopes that are stable do not emit radiation. For example; Carbon-12 is stable and carbon-14 is radioactive.
How does radioactive decay occur?
A chemical element disintegrate forming a new element. Radioactive radiations (alpha, beta, gamma, etc.) are released, also heat. An unstable nucleus breaks down into smaller parts.
Over time what will happend to the radioactive atom?
They experience radioactive decay. They emit radiation, changing the state of their nucleus, usually by the loss of protons and neutrons. However, this process is completely random; it can only be predicted as a half-life, or the amount of time it takes half of a certain material to decay. This does not predict when an individual atom will decay, it only predicts when approximately half of the material will have decayed.
Why was the radioactive atom was discovered?
They were discovered because the amount of energy they emit was measurable, but the method and manner in which it is emitted was inexplicable at the time.
Does radiation contamination fade over time?
Sure but it depends on the radioactive elements halflives
Difference between a non-radioactive substance and a radioactive substance?
Radioactive elements are unstable and will decay into other elements in a decay chain. Non-radioactive elements are stable and won't commence into radioactive decay. Radioactive elements can be found from atomic number 84 onwards.
How is radioactive Isotope different from a stable isotope?
The radioactive isotope is disintegrated in time and emit radiations.
How is a radioactive isotope different from a stable isotope?
The radioactive isotope is disintegrated in time and emit radiations.
What is the difference between and radioactive and stable isotope?
Radioactive isotopes emit radiation in the form of alpha, beta, positron or gamma rays to become a stable isotope of any given particular element. This is caused by the instability of the nucleus of the atom. The stabilising process in which unstable atoms undergo is known as radioactive decay. Isotopes that are stable do not emit radiation. For example; Carbon-12 is stable and carbon-14 is radioactive.
Are radioactive isotopes good for the diet?
No, radioactive isotopes are not good for any diet. Radioactive isotopes are radioactive, which means they have unstable atomic nuclei. These unstable nuclei will, sooner or later, decay, and they will emit some kind(s) of radiation in the process. Radiation can damage biological material, and that's not good for any living thing. We generally are subject to a bit of natural radiation all the time. It's the natural background radiation. But we work to avoid any "extra" exposure because it can be hazardous to our health. We do use radioactive isotopes in nuclear medicine and associated procedures. But in these cases, the benefit is worth any small risk. Exposure to radiation in medicine is carefully calculated and monitored by the professionals who work with it.
How does radioactive decay occur?
A chemical element disintegrate forming a new element. Radioactive radiations (alpha, beta, gamma, etc.) are released, also heat. An unstable nucleus breaks down into smaller parts.
Over time what will happend to the radioactive atom?
They experience radioactive decay. They emit radiation, changing the state of their nucleus, usually by the loss of protons and neutrons. However, this process is completely random; it can only be predicted as a half-life, or the amount of time it takes half of a certain material to decay. This does not predict when an individual atom will decay, it only predicts when approximately half of the material will have decayed.
Why are nuclear waste at times said to be a problem which is too complicated to solve?
Nuclear wastes are sometimes said to be a problem too difficult to solve because the waste stays radioactive for so long. The only thing that gets rid of nuclear waste is time.
Do mobile phones cause more radiation while charged?
No - the only time they emit radiation is when they're actually in use making or receiving a call.
Why was the radioactive atom was discovered?
They were discovered because the amount of energy they emit was measurable, but the method and manner in which it is emitted was inexplicable at the time.
WHAT DOES The amount of radiation that an individual absorbs depends on?
Time exposed to a radioactive source and the Distance a person is from a radioactive source and Type and amount of shielding between a person and a radioactive source.
