Radioactivity
it is unstable and decays to another element
It is called radioactive decay. During this process, an unstable isotope loses energy or particles to become a more stable element.
It is through radioactive decay that a quantity of an unstable element will decay over time. A material that is unstable will undergo this process, and the sample is said to be radioactive.
Plutonium is a radioactive element that decays over time, transforming into other elements through a series of radioactive decays. When plutonium decays, it releases energy in the form of radiation and transforms into a different element. This process continues until the plutonium is no longer present.
element
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kinetic energy
When a radioactive element decays, it produces radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This decay process can transform the element into a different element or a different isotope of the same element.
Another isotope is produced.
A radioactive element that undergoes nuclear decay to transform into a different element is called a parent isotope. The decay process involves the emission of particles and/or energy until the parent isotope reaches a stable form, known as the daughter isotope. This decay process is used in radiometric dating to determine the age of rocks and minerals.
The term for the element that a radioactive isotope decays into is called the "daughter product". During radioactive decay, the original isotope transforms into a different element or isotope through a series of decay reactions.
When a radioactive element decays, it releases energy in the form of radiation (such as alpha or beta particles). The decay changes the element into a different element or isotope, which may also be radioactive. This process continues until a stable non-radioactive element is formed.