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Basically, it means that the structure of the atom has changed from a less stable state to a more stable state. Since the energy of the atom is reduced, something has to be emitted from it, whether a particle or some form of energy, usually both. Sometimes the decay requires some input from outside the atom, and sometimes it is spontaneous. There are many kinds of atomic decay.
Fission is one. In fission, the atom splits and two atoms are produced. Also a number of neutrons are emitted, and a lot of heat is produced.
Alpha decay is another. Alpha decay happens when the atom emits an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium ion moving very fast. This causes the atom to change from one element to another, the daughter element having an atomic number 2 less than that of the parent. Also, the isotope number is reduced by 4.
Beta decay is another. A beta particle is released, either positive or negative. If the beta decay is positive, it usually means a proton is turned into a neutron by capturing an electron from the atom's innermost shell; this reduces the atomic number by one, changing the element, but the isotope number stays the same and the emission is a neutrino. If the beta decay is negative, it means that an electron is emitted from the atom, then a neutron has to be converted to a proton, and the atomic number is increased by one, changing the atom to a new element; the isotope number stays the same, but the mass of the atom is reduced.
Gamma radiation is another. In gamma radiation, a very energetic photon called a gamma ray is released. This may happen at the same time as some other emission, or because of a change in the energy state of an atom, producing a different isomer. The mass of the atom is reduced very slightly, but if there is no other emission going on at the same time, the atomic number and isotope number remain the same (the more excited state is indicated by attaching a lower case m to the isotope number).
The atom might emit a neutron. This reduces the isotope number by 1.
There are other forms of decay, but these are probably the most important, and give a good idea of the sorts of things that go on.
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An atom's atomic number is the number of protons an atom has. This number will never change or the atom becomes a totally different atom.
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What does it mean if an atom has subscript in a chemical formula?
There is one atom of that element in the molecule.
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How do you figure out what the intramolecular forces in an atom are?
you can't for an atom. im guessing you mean a molecule :).
What does devastation mean?
The state of being decayed or destroyedDevastation means the state of being decayed or destroyed.
What is the term for the element that a radioactive isotope decay into?
The atom that results from nuclear decay is called the daughter atom. The element of the daughter atom would be called the daughter element. The atom that decayed is called the parent.
A 7 letter word for not preserved?
Decayed.
'It is you who has decayed' or 'it is you who have decayed' Which sentence is right?
"It is you who have decayed" is correct. In this case, "who" refers to the plural pronoun "you" which requires the plural form of the verb "have."
What does humaness mean?
the term humas refers to particles of decayed plant and animal material :)
When was A Decayed Family created?
A Decayed Family was created in 1874.
Is decayed an adjective?
The word "decayed" can be used as an adjective or as a past tense verb. In the sense of an adjective, it can be used to describe "a decayed tooth".
What do you use decayed animals for?
you use decayed animals for fertilizer and oil.
What is the meaning of decayed?
of Decay, Fallen, as to physical or social condition; affected with decay; rotten; as, decayed vegetation or vegetables; a decayed fortune or gentleman.
What is something that is not preserved?
Something that is not preserved could be live, decomposed, etc.
When was The Restitution of Decayed Intelligence created?
The Restitution of Decayed Intelligence was created in 2003.
What does fungus mean?
A plant without leaves or flowers that grows on other plants or on decayed material,such as mushrooms and toadstools.
