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Atomic nuclear decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy in the form of radiation to become more stable. This process can happen due to the imbalance of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, leading to the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The decay helps the nucleus achieve a more balanced state and reduces its energy level.
What else can I help you with?
How long does it take for nuclear waste to decay completely?
Nuclear waste can take thousands to millions of years to decay completely, depending on the type of radioactive material.
What type of reaction take place in a nuclear reactor?
Nuclear fission, not to be confused with fusion.
How long did it take for xenon to decay into cesium?
Most isotopes of Xenon are stable and so do not decay. The shortest lived isotope has a half life of more than 10^16 (10 quadrillion) years.
Why do atomic nuclei decay?
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.
Is alpha decay exothermic?
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.
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.
When and where did Pakistan's first atomic nuclear explosion take place?
Pakistan's first atomic nuclear explosion took place at "Chaghai Hills" (Balochistan) on May 11 and 13, 1998.
How long does it take for nuclear waste to decay completely?
Nuclear waste can take thousands to millions of years to decay completely, depending on the type of radioactive material.
What is true about nuclear?
It can take from 25-25 million years for nuclear waste to decay.
How nuclear decay rates different from chemical reaction rates?
nuclear decay rates take more time and chemical reaction rates could happen fast.
What is the nuclear decay equation for plutonium 239?
The first step is an alpha decay to (guess what!) uranium 235. You can probably take it from there.
Is nuclear decay an example of a nuclear change?
Yes, it is. Nuclear decay is a process that an unstable atom goes through to lose energy and move toward a more stable state. (It may take more than one decay.) In nuclear decay, the nucleus undergoes a change by releasing a particle or particles and electromagnetic energy. Links are provided to related Wikipedia articles and related questions.
What is the difference between nuclear decay and nuclear transformation reactions?
Nuclear decay is the spontaneous process where an unstable nucleus emits particles or energy to become more stable. Nuclear transformation reactions involve bombarding a nucleus with particles to alter its composition or create new nuclei. Decay is a natural process, while transformation reactions are induced.
Where does nuclear fusion take place in the sun?
Nuclear fusion takes place in the core of the sun.
What is the place where controlled nuclear fission reactions take place?
The place where controlled nuclear fission reactions take place is called a nuclear reactor. In a nuclear reactor, uranium atoms are split in a controlled manner to produce heat energy, which is used to generate electricity.
What country did the Chernobyl nuclear accident take place?
Russia, the nuclear plant was in the place called chernobyl :)
Can a sample of matter change its composition or state?
For chemical reactions, the elements in a sealed vessel will not change. But, reactions can take place that would tend to take the sample to a state of equilibrium. Or, with heating or cooling the physical state can be changed.Another type of reaction is nuclear decay, in which radioactive substances will spontaneously decay to other radioactive substances, or decay to non-radioactive substances, thus actually changing the elements present.
