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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?
Unstable isotopes become more stable isotopes or different elements when they decay through processes such as alpha or beta decay. The decay results in the emission of radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles and gamma rays.
What do the nuclei of different plutonium isotopes have in common?
The nuclei of different plutonium isotopes all contain 94 protons, which define the element as plutonium. The isotopes differ in the number of neutrons they contain, resulting in different atomic masses for each isotope.
What causes something to be radioactive?
Atomic nuclei with more than 84 protons or a large neutron-to-proton ratio is unstable. These nuclei will lose alpha-particles (generally reduces the nucleus by 2 protons and 2 neutrons) or beta-particles (generally turns a neutron to a proton) until it becomes stable. This can take billions of years or a fraction of a second, depending on the isotope.
Will unstable nuclei all undergo radioactive decay in order to gain stability?
Not necessarily. Some unstable nuclei can gain stability through processes such as alpha or beta decay, while others can undergo spontaneous fission. Additionally, some unstable nuclei may be in a metastable state and decay through isomeric transition.
What is the meaninq of two isotopes stable and unstable isotopes?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons, and therefore different masses. Unstable isotopes are radioactive and undergo radioactive decay of their nuclei, while stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay.
How many unstable nuclei exist in nature?
There are many unstable nuclei that exist in nature, but the exact number is difficult to determine due to the sheer variety of radioactive isotopes that can occur. These unstable nuclei can undergo radioactive decay to become more stable over time.
A process in which atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast-moving particles and energy?
Nuclear fission
What are atoms with unstable nuclei and will change into another atom called?
Atoms with unstable nuclei that undergo radioactive decay to transform into another atom are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes. These isotopes emit radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves as they decay. This process can result in the formation of different elements or isotopes, depending on the type of decay.
What is the process when nuclei of unstable isotopes realese fast moving paricles and energy?
radioactive decay with emission of radiation
Why are radioactive isotopes unstable?
Radioactive isotopes are unstable because they have an imbalance of protons and neutrons in their atomic nuclei. This imbalance causes the nucleus to be energetically unstable, leading to the emission of radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles in order to achieve a more stable configuration.
What is a process in which atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast-moving particles and energy?
Nuclear decay is the process in which atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast-moving particles, such as alpha or beta particles, along with energy in the form of gamma radiation. This process is also known as radioactive decay and results in the transformation of the unstable isotope into a more stable one.
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.
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
What do unstable isotopes become when they decay?
Unstable isotopes become more stable isotopes or different elements when they decay through processes such as alpha or beta decay. The decay results in the emission of radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles and gamma rays.
