How does radioactive decay become radioactive?

Answer 1

That depends on the specific radioisotope. For instance, uranium 238 emits an alpha particle during radioactive decay, reducing the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus by 2 each and producing thorium 234. On the other hand, carbon 14 emits a beta particle (an electron) during radioactive decay, decreasing the number of neutrons and increasing the number of protons by 1 each and producing nitrogen 14. There are quite a few other examples with different changes depending on the type of radioactive decay.

Answer 2

Because its nucleus is in an unstable excited state. By undergoing radioactive decay it can shed this excess energy and relax to a more stable state. Some atoms must undergo multiple decay processes before their nucleus arrives at the stable ground state.

Answer 3

You are exposed every day from natural sources. In some areas there are trace amounts of radioactive material in the ground. Some of the decay processes releases Radon gas, which can enter homes. The radon gas is radioactive, so you are breathing a radioactive source. Even common building materials may have some radioactive material in them.

Answer 4

The decaying atom will emit something - which usually involves an alpha particle, a beta particle, a gamma ray, or some combination - and become a different type of atom.

Answer 5

by definition