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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.
What else can I help you with?
Do all elements decay over time?
It is the unstable isotopes of elements that decay over time. All elements have an isotope or isotopes that are unstable and will decay over time. (These isotopes will be either naturally occurring or will be synthetic.) Some isotopes of some elements, however, are stable, and they will not undergo radioactive decay.To discover what's what, we have to do some homework, and what better place to start than the table of nuclides? It lists all the elemets, and all the isotopes of each element. Further, it tells us which ones are stable, which are unstable, and will also help us determine the decay mode of the unstable nuclides.
Is ytterbium found on earth?
Yes. It has lots of stable isotopes.
Chlorine-35 and chlorine-37 are examples of what?
They are examples of isotopes. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. The only naturally occurring isotope of iodine is stable iodine-127. Iodine-131 is used in medicine to monitor thyroid gland functioning, to treat goitre and thyroid cancer, and to locate tumours of the brain and of the liver.
Which diagrams represent isotopes of the same element?
Only some special diagrams represents isotopes of the same element.
For each pair of elements listed predict which one has more stable isotopes a Co or Ni b F or Se c Ag or Cd?
Ni Se and Cd
Why is it that some isotopes of an element are able to exist indefinitely?
Some isotypes are more stable than others. Decay occurs because of instability in isotopes, so stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay.
What is stable and unstable isotopes?
Some isotopes are stable, others are unstable.
What are some of golds isotopes?
Gold has only one stable isotope, all others are radioactive.
Does argon have isotopes?
yes, all elements have isotopes. some stable, some radioactive.
Are iron elements stable?
Iron is an element, and there is only one element called iron (Fe). There are no iron element(s), but if you mean isotopes, then some iron isotopes are stable, and some aren't. No known element is stable in of it's isotopes.
Does radioactive isotopes have a stable nuclei?
Radioactive isotopes are not stable.
How are stable isotopes used in medicine?
Stable isotopes are used as tracers.
How many stable isotopes does the element copper have?
copper has 2 stable isotopes
What isotopes are stable?
Hydrogen-1 and hydrogen-2 isotopes are radioactively stable.
Are most isotopes stable?
No, most isotopes are not stable. Many isotopes are radioactive and decay over time, releasing radiation in the process. Only a few isotopes are stable and do not undergo radioactive decay.
What is the stable nucleus produced at the end of the decay steps in a uranium decay series?
Thorium, radium, radon, polonium, thallium, etc.
Tin has the most stable isotopes of any element How many stable isotopes does it have?
It has 10
