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A radioactive atom is an atom of an element with an unstable nucleus.

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11y ago

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When a radioactive nucleus decays and forms a new nucleus is the new nucleus always radioactive?

No. A stable nucleus can form. If the new nucleus is radioactive, then it will contiue to decay until a non radioactive nucleus is attained.


Is this true radioactivity and radioactive decay are two distinct phenomena?

True and False. Radioactivity is a characteristic of unstable atomic nuclei, whereas radioactive decay is the process that a radioactive nucleus undergoes when it decays due to its instability.Argument for true: Radioactivity is the tendency to undergo radioactive decay.Argument for false: The two terms are unrelated because one is a characteristic and the other is a process, and, therefore, the question misunderstands the definition of the terms.You choose your definition. This writer prefers false.


What does it mean if an element is radioacitive?

If an element is radioactive, it refers to the stability of their atomic nucleus. If that atomic nucleus is not stable, it is considered radioactive.


What is the characteristic time for the decay of a radioactive isotope?

The characteristic time for the decay of a radioactive isotope is known as its half-life. This is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.


Why dont radioactive elements have a stable nucleus?

By definition. If it were stable, then it would not be radioactive.


The nucleus or atom left behind when a nucleus disintegrates or splits is?

Sometimes radioactive


What is An unstable isotope is called what?

It isn't really an ELEMENT that is unstable, but an ISOTOPE. That means that in general, for the same element, some atoms will decay, and some will not - the difference being the number of neutrons in the nucleus.


What makes a nucleus radioactive?

If you are referring to a cell's nucleus than the simple answer is that's not radioactive. Radioactivity occurs when elemental atoms become unstable due to the loss or gain of additional neutrons; these unstable atoms are referred to as radioactive isotopes. If a cell's nucleus were radioactive it would not last very long, its structure and function would quickly degrade and collapse.


What is an unstable nucleus that starts a decay process called?

A nucleus that starts to decay is called a radioactive nucleus or atom. It decays with a known and unique half life by several processes including but not limited to beta decay, alpha decay, electron capture decay, and positron emission.


Is the best definition of radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.


What is the best definition of radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.


What is when the nucleus of an atom decomposes called?

radioactive decay