Do radioactive isotopes decay

Answer 1

Either through alpha, beta negative, beta positive, or gamma processes. K capture, an inverse form of beta negative decay is also possible in heavy nuclei where the inner shell of electrons partially overlaps the nucleus.

Answer 2

Radioactive isotopes undergo what is known as radioactive decay (not to be confused with the organic decay that rotting food would undergo). A decaying isotope emits radiation, and is transmuted into a different isotope. Uranium eventually becomes lead.

Answer 3

It depends on the radioactive decay mode. For example :

• If it undergoes spontaneous fission it transforms into fission fragments and gamma rays and/or other emitted particles as neutrons.
• If it emits gamma rays, it transforms into same element but in a more stable state.
• If it emits neutron, it transforms into more stable isotope.
• If it emits alpha or beta particle, it transforms into another element that is more stable.