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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.
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Why does radioactive decay happen?
Radioactive decay happens because unstable atomic nuclei release energy in the form of radiation to become more stable.
Why do elements decay over time?
Elements decay over time due to the instability of their atomic nuclei. This instability causes them to release energy in the form of radiation, transforming into a more stable element.
What does the band of stability graph reveal about the relationship between the number of protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei?
The band of stability graph shows that there is an optimal ratio of protons to neutrons in atomic nuclei for stability. Nuclei with too few or too many neutrons compared to protons are less stable and tend to undergo radioactive decay.
What is the band of stability in chemistry and how does it relate to the stability of atomic nuclei?
The band of stability in chemistry refers to the range of stable isotopes on a graph of the number of neutrons versus the number of protons in atomic nuclei. Isotopes within this band are more stable because they have a balanced ratio of neutrons to protons. Nuclei outside of this band may undergo radioactive decay to become more stable.
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.
What is nuclei that has unstable decay known as?
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
Radioactivity is caused due to what?
spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei.
What is the name of the process during which atomic nuclei decay?
D. Radioactivity
Is radioactive decay internal or external?
internal, it is a process occurring inside atomic nuclei.
Definition of gamma rays?
Penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.
Why does radioactive decay happen?
Radioactive decay happens because unstable atomic nuclei release energy in the form of radiation to become more stable.
Is it true that nuclear radiation comes from the decay of atomic nuclei?
Yes, the decay of unstable atomic nuclei is the source of nuclear radiation.
What has the author Jerry Lewis Pietenpol written?
Jerry Lewis Pietenpol has written: 'Atomic corrections to electric-quadrupole gamma decay by heavy nuclei' -- subject(s): Gamma decay, Heavy nuclei, Spectrum analysis
Unstable atomic nuclei decay over time into stable nuclei causing a mineral to be?
unstable and eventually transform into a stable form. This process is known as radioactive decay and can result in the mineral changing its chemical composition or structure.
What very large nuclei tend to be unstable?
Nuclei with very large atomic numbers, such as those above Z=83, tend to be unstable due to the increasing electrostatic repulsion between protons. This can lead to spontaneous radioactive decay in the form of alpha decay, beta decay, or fission.
Is spontaneous fusion a form of radioactive decay?
No, the fusion process is the opposite of the radioactive decay process. Fusion is the merging together of nuclei to form a heavier nucleus whereas fission or radioactive decay is the splitting apart of a heavy nucleus into lighter daughter nuclei.
Is radioactive decay the same as organic decay?
No, radioactive decay is not the same as organic decay. The basic difference between radioactive decay and organic decay is that in organic decay, chemical compounds break down and the biochemical structure of the subject changes. This is a natural process that any biological structures will undergo, or it could be induced. In either case, it represents a chemical change. In radioactive decay, the actual atomic nuclei of atoms will break down in some way, depending on the substance being considered. It is the unstable atomic nucleus of given isotopes of elements that undergoes the change, and this is a nuclear or atomic change.
