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Some of the isotopes used for this purpose are uranium-238, uranium-235 and potassium-40. However often the dates are not determined directly from isotopes in the fossils themselves, but instead from isotopes in layers of volcanic rocks above and below the fossils and the age of the fossils are estimated between these two measured dates.

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How can products of radioactive decay be a different element?

All the atoms of an element have the same number of protons in the nucleus of each atom. When the nucleus of a radioactive element such as Uranium splits into pieces, the "new" atoms formed have smaller numbers of protons in each atom.


A radioactive element is sometimes used to trace the pathway of chemical reactions in the cell If newly synthesized proteins are radioactive the radioactive element used could be?

The radioactive element used to trace the pathway of chemical reactions in cells for newly synthesized proteins is typically sulfur-35 (35S) or carbon-14 (14C). These isotopes are incorporated into proteins during synthesis, allowing researchers to track their movement and interactions within the cell.


Why only radioactive element give out radiation?

It's a semantic thing - by definition, if something gives out radiation, then it is radioactive. If an element gives off radiation, then it is a 'radioactive' element. If it does not give out radiation, then it is not 'radioactive'.


Does the identity of an atom change during radioactive decay.why or why not?

Well, when an atom undergoes radioactive decay, it can change into a different element. This happens because the nucleus of the atom becomes unstable and releases particles or energy to become more stable. So, while the identity of the atom may change, it's all just a part of nature's way of finding balance and harmony in the universe.


How can an atom of one element change to an atom of another element?

By losing protons. Atomic number determines what kind of element it is. ---------------------------- This can only happen if the nucleus changes its number of protons because the nucleus is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay. As it changes it will emit some form of radiation

Related Questions

What is the term for the element that a radioactive isotope decay into?

The term for the element that a radioactive isotope decays into is called the "daughter product". During radioactive decay, the original isotope transforms into a different element or isotope through a series of decay reactions.


What is the process by which an element slowly decays over time?

It is through radioactive decay that a quantity of an unstable element will decay over time. A material that is unstable will undergo this process, and the sample is said to be radioactive.


Is a period of an element the amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay?

Yes, the period of an element is the time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay, also known as the half-life. During this time, half of the radioactive atoms in a sample will undergo radioactive decay, transforming into different elements or isotopes.


What happens to the mass of a sample containing a radioactive element during its half-life?

Chawad says... They are directly proportional


How can products of radioactive decay be a different element?

All the atoms of an element have the same number of protons in the nucleus of each atom. When the nucleus of a radioactive element such as Uranium splits into pieces, the "new" atoms formed have smaller numbers of protons in each atom.


A radioactive element is sometimes used to trace the pathway of chemical reactions in the cell If newly synthesized proteins are radioactive the radioactive element used could be?

The radioactive element used to trace the pathway of chemical reactions in cells for newly synthesized proteins is typically sulfur-35 (35S) or carbon-14 (14C). These isotopes are incorporated into proteins during synthesis, allowing researchers to track their movement and interactions within the cell.


Why do you need to have a radon test done when you buy or sell a home in pennsylvannia?

Radon originates from Uranium 238, a radioactive element. Almost anywhere in the world you can find some radioactive Uranium 238 in the soil. Pennsylvania in particular has a lot of it. Radioactive simply means that the element or atom gives off energy which may a solid particle and changes into a different element. During this radioactive decay the releases of energy causes varying amounts of damage to whatever surrounds it.


Why only radioactive element give out radiation?

It's a semantic thing - by definition, if something gives out radiation, then it is radioactive. If an element gives off radiation, then it is a 'radioactive' element. If it does not give out radiation, then it is not 'radioactive'.


How does a sample of radioactive waste decay to a nonhazardous level?

All radioactive material has a characteristic half-life. This is a period during which half the matter from the original mass will have decayed into a daughter element. Either the daughter element is non-radioactive and therefore non-hazardous or it is radioactive and has its own half-life. The total radioactivity thus reduces over time and at some stage is deemed to reach a non-hazardous level.


What causes Uranium to be radioactive?

Uranium is radioactive because it is an unstable element with a nucleus that can undergo radioactive decay. During this decay process, uranium releases energy in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma radiation as it transforms into other elements over time. This radioactive decay is what makes uranium useful for nuclear energy and weapons.


How can radioactive decay change one element into another?

Radioactive decay occurs when the nucleus of an unstable element transforms into a more stable configuration by emitting particles or energy. During this process, the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus may change, leading to the formation of a different element. This transformation follows specific decay pathways that are governed by the elements' atomic structures and decay modes.


When an isotope decays over time and becomes a different element what is it called?

It is called radioactive decay. During this process, an unstable isotope loses energy or particles to become a more stable element.