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What are the characteristics of a atom?
A radioactive atom is an atom of an element with an unstable nucleus.
What is the primary reason an atoms nucleus is unstable?
Increasing the ratio neutrons/protons in the nucleus the atom become unstable.
Nuclear radiation refers to charged particles or energy emitted by an unstable what?
Nucleus
What is An unstable isotope is called what?
It isn't really an ELEMENT that is unstable, but an ISOTOPE. That means that in general, for the same element, some atoms will decay, and some will not - the difference being the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
What is another term for an atom that is unstable?
isotope
What is the term for an atom the decays?
unstable, radioactive
What is an unstable atom?
An unstable atom is an atom that has an imbalance in the ratio of protons to neutrons in its nucleus, making it prone to undergo radioactive decay. This decay results in the emission of particles or energy in order to achieve a more stable configuration. Unstable atoms will continue to decay until they reach a state of stability.
What causes an atom to be stable and unstable?
An atom is stable when its nucleus has a balanced ratio of protons and neutrons, and when its electrons are in filled energy levels. An atom is unstable when it has an imbalance of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, leading to radioactive decay in an attempt to reach a more stable configuration.
Where does radioactivity start in an atom?
Radioactivity starts in an atom's nucleus, specifically when the nucleus is unstable and tries to become more stable by emitting particles such as alpha or beta particles, or energy in the form of gamma rays. This process is known as radioactive decay.
If 2 protons are removed from an oxygen nucleus?
You will have an unstable carbon atom. The result will be carbon
In nuclear fission reactions what causes the atom's nucleus to become unstable?
the absorption of a free-moving neutron by the atom's nucleus
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.
