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How the nucleus decays depends on the particular isotope. Some even decay in more than one way. One possibility is called alpha decay. In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons). Another possibility is beta decay, in which one of the nucleons changes from a neutron to a proton or vice versa and the nucleus will throw out a beta particle. A beta particle can be either an electron or a positron. (To conserve lepton number, the nucleus also emits an electron antineutrino or an electron neutrino at the same time.) A third case is electron capture. In this, one of the inner electrons is absorbed by the nucleus, a proton changes to a neutron, and an electron neutrino is thrown off. Heavy nuclides can undergo spontaneous fission, in which the nucleus splits into two smaller daughter particles with mass numbers of roughly 90-100 and 130-140. Often some spare neutrons are also ejected at the same time. Cluster decay is yet another mode, which happens only for nuclei which also decay via alpha decay. It's similar to alpha decay except the emitted particle is not a helium-4 nucleus but a heavier element. It's distinguished from spontaneous fission by the fact in cluster decay, only certain nuclei are emitted and they're always well under 90 amu. Other rare decay modes are possible: proton emission, neutron emission, double proton emission, double beta decay, double electron capture, double positron emission, and electron capture with positron emission. Most of these names should be self-explanatory.
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∙ 14y ago
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∙ 14y agoThe process of nuclear decay is one we call radioactive decay. There are several types of radioactive decay, and the results or radioactive decay are a varied as the particular radionuclide that undergoes this process. Use the links below to learn more.
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∙ 12y agoDeuterium & 13C Labeled Custom Synthesis Available. for comments and suggestions tweet me at jaffa_tolentino.
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∙ 11y agoIt converts into some other type of nucleus.
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∙ 6y agoBreaking the nucleus of an atom is called fission. The opposite is called fusion.
(When two broken bones are put back together, they will fuse together.)
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∙ 13y agoIt is called radioactive decay or nuclear fission.
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∙ 11y agoradioactive decay
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∙ 13y agoTransmutation
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∙ 8y agoto become stable
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∙ 14y agoAlpha, Beta and Gamma
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What is the process in which the atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast moving particles and energy?
radioactive decay or simply decay.
Is it true that nuclear radiation comes from the decay of atomic nuclei?
Yes, the decay of unstable atomic nuclei is the source of nuclear radiation.
What is a nucleus that is unstable and undergoes decay?
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
Why do some isotopes of elements spontaneously undergo radioactive decay?
Nuclei undergo radioactive decay in order to release some of the "stress" in the atom. At a certain point, the nucleus of an atom gets too large to sustain all of those protons and neutrons. When the "stress" is relieved, a phenomenon called radioactive decay occurs.
Why are positrons produced from some nuclei but alpha or beta radiation come from other nuclei?
Positrons are a type of beta radiation (along with electons). Let's check things out to figure out why some nuclei are positron emitters. Positron emission (beta + decay) follows after the conversion of a neutron in an atomic nucleus into a proton. In atomic nuclei that have an excess number of neutrons to be stable, this is a common form of decay. It directly assists an unstable nucleus in getting closer to the "line of stability" of the N-Z plot. As beta + decay has a higher probablity for nuclei with excessive numbers of neutrons, beta - decay has a higher probability for nuclei with shortages of neutrons. In general, alpha decay is reserved for the heaviest radionuclides. We see radium, uranium, plutonium and a number of other elements from the upper end of the periodic table as having alpha decay as a possibility among their methods of decay. Links can be found below.
Unstable atomic nuclei decay over time into stable nuclei causing a mineral to be?
radioactive
What is nuclei that has unstable decay known as?
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
Radioactivity is caused due to what?
spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei.
What is the name of the process during which atomic nuclei decay?
D. Radioactivity
What is the process in which the atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast moving particles and energy?
radioactive decay or simply decay.
Process which unstable nuclei emit radiation is called?
This process through which unstable nuclei emit radiation is called radioactive decay. It also is called nuclear decay, and it is a natural process in which an atom of an isotope decomposes into a new element.
Is radioactive decay internal or external?
internal, it is a process occurring inside atomic nuclei.
What is splitting of atomic nuclei?
FISSION. nobody on this website knows the answer..... SHAME
Definition of gamma rays?
Penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.
Is it true that nuclear radiation comes from the decay of atomic nuclei?
Yes, the decay of unstable atomic nuclei is the source of nuclear radiation.
What is the radioactive decay of an atom resulting in the decrease in the atomic number with no charge in the atomic mass called?
It is called beta decay. there are two types: 1) posive beta decay in which atomic number decreases. 2) negative beta decay in which atomic number increases.
What has the author Jerry Lewis Pietenpol written?
Jerry Lewis Pietenpol has written: 'Atomic corrections to electric-quadrupole gamma decay by heavy nuclei' -- subject(s): Gamma decay, Heavy nuclei, Spectrum analysis
