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A radioactive atom is an atom of an element with an unstable nucleus.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIt can split into smaller pieces
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoit can split into smaller pieces
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIt can split into smaller pieces.
Anonymous
An atom is stable if the forces among the particles that makeup the nucleus are balanced. An atom is unstable (radioactive) if these forces are unbalanced; if the nucleus has an excess of internal energy. Instability of an atom's nucleus may result from an excess of either neutrons or protons.
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What is the defining characteristic of eukaryotes?
Eukaryotes have a well defined nucleus in their cells.
Is nucleus holds the DNA a uniclellular or multicellular?
Having a DNA contained in a nucleus is a characteristic of eukaryotes. All multicellular organisms and some unicellular organisms are eukaryotes. Prokaryotes lack a nucleus.
What characteristic distinguishes moneran from all kingdoms?
They have no nucleus or organelles. They do not move. They obtain their nutrients by absorbing organisms through their cell wall. They are also single celled and microscopic
Which is a characteristic of something in the domain Archaea?
No cell Nucleus/Unicellular
What must happen for a nucleus to be stable?
The strong nuclear force must balance electrostatic forces in the nucleus
When a radioactive nucleus decays and forms a new nucleus is the new nucleus always radioactive?
No. A stable nucleus can form. If the new nucleus is radioactive, then it will contiue to decay until a non radioactive nucleus is attained.
What happens to a radioactive nucleus when it emits alpha particle and What happens to a radioactive nucleus when it emits alpha particle?
dude..
Is this true radioactivity and radioactive decay are two distinct phenomena?
True and False. Radioactivity is a characteristic of unstable atomic nuclei, whereas radioactive decay is the process that a radioactive nucleus undergoes when it decays due to its instability.Argument for true: Radioactivity is the tendency to undergo radioactive decay.Argument for false: The two terms are unrelated because one is a characteristic and the other is a process, and, therefore, the question misunderstands the definition of the terms.You choose your definition. This writer prefers false.
What does it mean if an element is radioacitive?
If an element is radioactive, it refers to the stability of their atomic nucleus. If that atomic nucleus is not stable, it is considered radioactive.
What happens to atoms that are radioactive?
Its nucleus emits radioactive particles continuously.
Why dont radioactive elements have a stable nucleus?
By definition. If it were stable, then it would not be radioactive.
Which atoms are least likely to be radioactive?
Generally, the smaller the nucleus, the less radioactive.
The nucleus or atom left behind when a nucleus disintegrates or splits is?
Sometimes radioactive
What is radioactive in physics?
the unstable nucleus of an atom
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.
Is the best definition of radioactive decay?
Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.
What is the best definition of radioactive decay?
Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.
