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... the decay of unstable atoms. elements are made from protons neutrons and orbiting electrons. The number of protons in the atom determines what the element actually is. Some elements or isotopes of elements are atomically unstable, they cant hold themselves together so break apart. The atom may break into smaller atoms (which means the substance changes from one element to others) - these may then contiue to break apart.
During this process of decay, another very small part of the atom may also break off. This can either be a package of two protons and two neutrons (alpha particle / alpha radiation), an electron on its own (beta particle/radiation), or a massless package of electromagnetic radiation (gamma radiation).
What else can I help you with?
Is radioactivity caused due to unstable nucleus?
Yes.
Radioactivity is caused due to what?
spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei.
Who showed that radioactivity is caused by the breakdown of one atom into another?
Ernest Rutherford
What is the source of radio activiy?
Radioactivity is caused by unstable atoms, that break apart.
How does radioactivity fit into the idea of causality?
The radioactivity is caused by the the instability of several atomic nuclei; and this instability comes from the ratio protons/neutrons in the nucleus.
Radioactivity was discovered by Albert Einstein.?
No, it was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie. Other scientists also contributed, such as Henri Bequerel. (Bequerel is the S.I unit for radioactivity). No, Marie Curie discovered and named radioactivity. Sadly her research into radiation caused her death.
Who discovered radioactivity and how was it discovered?
I thought Marie Curie had something to do with it because she died from lukimeia which was caused from her being exposed to it :)
What causes radioactivity?
Radioactivity is caused by the instability of an atom's nucleus. An unstable nucleus can emit particles or energy in the form of radiation in order to become more stable. This process is known as radioactive decay.
Why did Marie currie die?
She died from anemia, a condition that can be caused by exposure to radioactivity. Although it is impossible to say with absolute certainty that her work with radioactive elements caused the death, the connection is pretty strong.
What are the disadvantages of radioactivity to the world at large?
It can be dangerous. Thousands of people died from the radiation caused by the only 2 nuclear weapons used for war.
How does radioactivity affect the water cycle?
Radioactivity affect the water molecules. Radioactivity makes it harmful
Which substances in plants and animals cold be examined for radioactivity?
It is said that radioactivity in plants and animals, or food items, may have caused the 1986 nuclear accident in Chernobyl. In order to determine the radioactivity of these items, one could examine the DNA, carbohydrate content, H2O and other biochemical pathways that are found in all plant and animal species.
