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Particles or electromagnetic radiation are emitted.
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Where does radioactivity start in an atom?
Radioactivity starts in an atom's nucleus, specifically when the nucleus is unstable and tries to become more stable by emitting particles such as alpha or beta particles, or energy in the form of gamma rays. This process is known as radioactive decay.
What makes an element unstable or radioactive?
The stability of an atom depends on a balance between the numbers of protons and neutrons in its nucleus and also on the total size of its nucleus; atoms with sufficiently large nuclei are inherently unstable. Please see the link.
Why does nuclear decay occur and what are the factors that influence this process?
Nuclear decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy in the form of radiation to become more stable. Factors that influence this process include the type of nucleus, the number of protons and neutrons, and external factors such as temperature and pressure.
A free-moving neutron is absorbed by the nucleus of an atom. This can cause?
the atom to become unstable and rip apart
How and why does atomic nuclear decay occur?
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, beta, or gamma particles. The decay helps the nucleus achieve a more balanced state and reduces its energy level.
What is a nucleus that emits energy and particles spontaneously?
Any radioactive element gives off subatomic particles, and these particles carry considerable energy. That is the definition of radioactivity. Examples of radioactive elements include uranium, plutonium, polonium, radium, and many more.
What is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits charged particles or energy or both?
It is the process of Radioactivity.
Is an input of energy required in order for nuclear decay to happen in an atom?
No, an input of energy is not required for nuclear decay to happen in an atom. Nuclear decay is a spontaneous process that occurs when an unstable nucleus emits particles or energy to become more stable.
What triggers an unstable nucleus to decay?
When a nucleus is unstable it has either too many or too few neutrons in the nucleus. This is what causes nuclear decay as the nucleus needs to have the correct ratio of neutrons to protons to be stable. It may be triggered by an outside force, such as a colliding particle, or simply by chance.
What process is a radioactive decay?
The process of a radioactive decay is atomic nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionizing particles
What causes radioactivity?
Radioactivity is caused by the instability of an atom's nucleus. An unstable nucleus can emit particles or energy in the form of radiation in order to become more stable. This process is known as radioactive decay.
An unstable isotope with extra energy in the nucleus?
An unstable isotope with extra energy in the nucleus is a radioactive isotope. This extra energy causes the nucleus to undergo radioactive decay, emitting particles or gamma rays in order to become more stable. This process can involve the release of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma radiation.
Nuclear radiation refers to charged particles or energy emitted by an unstable what?
Nucleus
What it means when an element is radioactive?
Radioactive elements have unstable nucleii. When an unstable nucleus decays it emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves and heavy particles and in the process forms new nucleii.
What happens to the nucleus when a neutron hits it?
When a neutron hits the nucleus, it can be absorbed by the nucleus, causing the nucleus to become unstable and possibly undergo radioactive decay. This process can lead to the release of energy, emission of radiation, or transmutation of the nucleus into a different element.
What is the name of the spontaneous process that releases particles and energy from the nucleus of an atom?
The name of the spontaneous process is nuclear decay or radioactive decay. This process involves the release of particles (such as alpha or beta particles) and energy from the unstable nucleus of an atom in order to achieve a more stable configuration.
What is the source of the alpha decay?
Alpha decay is a nuclear process where a 4He nucleus is spontaneously emitted to reduce energy and lower the initial isotopes total number of nucleons.
