answersLogoWhite

0

Why do atomic nuclei decay?

Updated: 8/9/2023
User Avatar

Rascal77

Lvl 1
8y ago

Best Answer

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Radioisotopes undergo radioactive decay during its process to attain stability.
See related question below for more information.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

because some nuclei are unstable because of-

1.very high mass no.

2. very low mass no. (checked by n/p ratio)

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Sami And keiliana Frekin Roxx (:

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago

To become stable

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Because their nuclei are unstable.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do atomic nuclei decay?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Unstable atomic nuclei decay over time into stable nuclei causing a mineral to be?

radioactive


What is nuclei that has unstable decay known as?

Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.


Radioactivity is caused due to what?

spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei.


What is the name of the process during which atomic nuclei decay?

D. Radioactivity


What is the process in which the atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast moving particles and energy?

radioactive decay or simply decay.


Is radioactive decay internal or external?

internal, it is a process occurring inside atomic nuclei.


Definition of gamma rays?

Penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.


Is it true that nuclear radiation comes from the decay of atomic nuclei?

Yes, the decay of unstable atomic nuclei is the source of nuclear radiation.


What has the author Jerry Lewis Pietenpol written?

Jerry Lewis Pietenpol has written: 'Atomic corrections to electric-quadrupole gamma decay by heavy nuclei' -- subject(s): Gamma decay, Heavy nuclei, Spectrum analysis


What is a nucleus that is unstable and undergoes decay?

Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.


What determines the amount of energy an electrons has?

distance from the atomic nuclei


Why are positrons produced from some nuclei but alpha or beta radiation come from other 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.