radioactive isotopes! :)
The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, positive and neutral particles. The positive protons are trying to repel each other and the neutrons provide a 'buffering' that holds the nucleus together (called binding energy), some theories say this involves the continuous exchange of quarks, that allows the protons to stay close to each other in the nucleus. Larger nuclei have a different problem, the nucleus is large enough that different regions, like the extreme top and the extreme bottom repel and can cause the atom to expel particles. This is radioactive decay. One scientist (George Gamow?) came up with a theory of constantly moving nuclei that, instead of being a static spherical nucleus, would act like a liquid drop that is undulating and the constant movement and change of shape could cause deformation to a point that the repulsion of opposite sides of the nucleus would cause the decay. Short answer -- all those positive protons in a large nucleus just don't 'like' being that close to each other.
A fundamental property of radioactive material is that the atomic nucleus has an unstable configuration. The nucleus of a single atom of such material may break down at any instant, or may never break down at all, but with a large number of atoms in a collection, there is a statistical probability that half of them will break down in a given amount of time, which is known as the "half life" for that radioactive material. Exactly why this should be so is a mystery which cannot be adequately explained, but is observed and accepted as such. A deeper understanding of this phenomenon would probably give us a better insight into the true nature of the universe as a whole.
There is not a particular "cell" that breaks down the nucleus during the cell process of mitosis. However, the nucleus does begin to break down in the phase known as prophase/prometaphase.
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When metals bond they share electrons very loosely, which means the electrons can move about from nucleus to nucleus very freely. This makes it easier for electricity to be conducted. It also means that the bonds are NOT rigid, so metals are more likely to bend than break.
These are the radioactive unstable isotopes.
Isotopes with unstable nuclei are radioactive and can undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more stable state. This decay process involves the release of radiation such as alpha or beta particles. The unstable isotopes are often used in various applications, including medicine and energy production.
The process is called decay, or sometimes nuclear decay. A link can be found below.
The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, positive and neutral particles. The positive protons are trying to repel each other and the neutrons provide a 'buffering' that holds the nucleus together (called binding energy), some theories say this involves the continuous exchange of quarks, that allows the protons to stay close to each other in the nucleus. Larger nuclei have a different problem, the nucleus is large enough that different regions, like the extreme top and the extreme bottom repel and can cause the atom to expel particles. This is radioactive decay. One scientist (George Gamow?) came up with a theory of constantly moving nuclei that, instead of being a static spherical nucleus, would act like a liquid drop that is undulating and the constant movement and change of shape could cause deformation to a point that the repulsion of opposite sides of the nucleus would cause the decay. Short answer -- all those positive protons in a large nucleus just don't 'like' being that close to each other.
The neutrons usually live in the nucleus of stable isotopes. Sometimes these guys go walkabout and leave home to visit other nuclei, especially if they are from an unstable home. If there are too many wandering neutrons in the neighbourhood all hell can break loose! JCF see also: nuclear fission
Answer: An unstable nucleus (nuclei) contains a near excessive number of neutrons and can spontaneously break apart (radioactive decay) into one or more nuclei (combinations of: alpha, beta, element fission, charged or neutral, and much energy) all with a lighter state.When a large number of atoms of the same isotope are observed they will have a statistically consistent half life.
radioactive isotopes are isotopes with irregular nuclear composition, it emits energy due to decay of atomic nucleus.
The neutrons usually live in the nucleus of stable isotopes. Sometimes these guys go walkabout and leave home to visit other nuclei, especially if they are from an unstable home. If there are too many wandering neutrons in the neighbourhood all hell can break loose! JCF see also: nuclear fission
Unstable elements that decay or break down into different elements are called radioactive elements. These elements have an unstable atomic nucleus that undergoes radioactive decay, transforming into a different element and releasing energy in the process. Examples of radioactive elements include uranium, radium, and plutonium.
Radioactive decay is the process in which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy through ionizing radiation. When this happens, one of its neutrons breaks down into a proton and an electron. The electron then leaves the atom as a beta particle.
Because the nuclei of actinides are unstable and spontaneously break apart, all actinides are radioactive.
Break apart