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Isotopes with unstable nuclei are

Updated: 8/9/2023
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Unstable Isotopes will degrade through radioactive decay into other types of atoms. To break it down Unstable isotopes are those whose moleules break down to form new atoms and ions.

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Atoms that are unstable are more likely to be radioactive.

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Radioisotopes

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Radioactive.

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radioisotopes

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Q: Isotopes with unstable nuclei are
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Continue Learning about Chemistry

What is the difference between a stable and unstable nucleus?

In most atoms the protons and neutrons found in the nucleus are held together strongly. The nuclei of these atoms are said to be stable. However, the neutrons and protons in some atoms are not held together as strongly. These nuclei are unstable and will eventually disintegrate, forming other elements. Isotopes that are unstable are said to be radioactive and are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.


What do unstable isotopes become when they decay?

stable nuclei are formed, usually accompanied by the release of Alpha, Beta, Gamma radiation.


What do the nuclei of different plutonium isotopes have in common?

The nuclei of all plutonium isotopes contain the same number of protons.


Is this a stable element Carbon atomic number 6?

It really isn't elements that are stable or unstable, but isotopes. Carbon has both stable and unstable isotopes.


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.

Related questions

What is the meaninq of two isotopes stable and unstable isotopes?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Stable isotopes have a balanced number of protons and neutrons, meaning their nuclei do not decay over time. Unstable isotopes, also known as radioactive isotopes, have an imbalance of protons and neutrons, causing their nuclei to decay and emit radiation over time.


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

Radioactivity


A process in which atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast-moving particles and energy?

Nuclear fission


What is the process when nuclei of unstable isotopes realese fast moving paricles and energy?

radioactive decay with emission of radiation


What is the difference between a stable and unstable nucleus?

In most atoms the protons and neutrons found in the nucleus are held together strongly. The nuclei of these atoms are said to be stable. However, the neutrons and protons in some atoms are not held together as strongly. These nuclei are unstable and will eventually disintegrate, forming other elements. Isotopes that are unstable are said to be radioactive and are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.


What do unstable isotopes become when they decay?

stable nuclei are formed, usually accompanied by the release of Alpha, Beta, Gamma radiation.


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

radioactive decay or simply decay.


Are unstable isotopes chemically inert?

Unstable isotopes can be chemically reactive.


What is an unstable isotope?

Unstable isotopes are radioactive isotopes, can disintegrate and emit radiations.


What is the difference between nuclear decay fission and fusion?

decay; alpha (helium nuclei), beta (electrons or positrons), or gamma (photons) are spontaneously ejected from unstable isotopesfission; very massive unstable isotopes split into two much lighter nuclei and a few neutrons are ejected, usually happens following capture of a neutron but in some isotopes can occur spontaneouslyfusion; very light nuclei merge forming heavier nuclei, can only occur at very high temperature and pressure


How many unstable nuclei exist in nature?

Around 1500 unstable nuclei (or radioisotopes).


Hydrogen has how many unstable isotopes?

Hydrogen has 1 unstable isotope, and 2 stable isotopes.