Isotopes that are unstable are prone to nuclear decay. They decay because the nuclei of the atoms of that isotope are unstable. The instability within the nuclei creates possibilities for a breakdown in the nuclear arrangement with the emission of a particle or particles and/or energy. The particular arrangement of neutrons and protons in the nucleus, i.e., the relative numbers of these nucleons, will predispose some of the isotopes to undergo spontaneous nuclear transmutation. Put another way, the neutrons and protons in a given nucleus might not like being packed in their because there isn't a "happy correlation" between the number of protons and the number of neutrons. If we take a given isotope of a given element and add, say, a neutron, it becomes another isotope. Is this new isotope stable? Does it like the new arrangement or will it be unstable and prone to decay? What if we add another neutron? How about then? How about with another neutron? Get it? It's the same if we start fooling around with the number of protons. Some isotopes of a given element are stable and some are not. There may not be any stable isotopes of a given element, like with radon. Hope this helps.
Atomic nuclei decay because they are constantly emitting ionized particles. This only happens with unstable atoms, such as certain isotopes, or structures, of uranium and plutonium. Interesting fact: most house hold smoke detectors contain the radioactive element Americium. But the decay of this isotope is very small. No need to worry about growing a third arm any time soon.
Radioisotopes undergo radioactive decay during its process to attain stability.
See related question below for more information.
because some nuclei are unstable because of-
1.very high mass no.
2. very low mass no. (checked by n/p ratio)
Sami And keiliana Frekin Roxx (:
To become stable
Because their nuclei are unstable.
Knowledge about atomic nuclei has been used to produce energy.
Alpha decay is the type of radioactive disintegration in which some unstable atomic nuclei dissipate excess energy by spontaneously ejecting an alpha particle.Alpha particles have two positive charges and a mass of four atomic mass units; they are identical to helium nuclei. Though they are emitted at speeds about one-tenth that of light, they are not very penetrating and have ranges in air of about 1-4 in. (2.5-10 cm). And, exothermic reaction is the chemical reaction that produced heat as they take place. Since in alpha decay ,energy is released ( provided heat is a form of energy),this type of radioactive disintegration is exothermic.
that they are very dense
lepton
Atomic nuclei (and alpha particales, but these are exactly the same as Helium nuclei)
radioactive
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei.
D. Radioactivity
radioactive decay or simply decay.
internal, it is a process occurring inside atomic nuclei.
Penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.
Yes, the decay of unstable atomic nuclei is the source of nuclear radiation.
Jerry Lewis Pietenpol has written: 'Atomic corrections to electric-quadrupole gamma decay by heavy nuclei' -- subject(s): Gamma decay, Heavy nuclei, Spectrum analysis
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
distance from the atomic 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.