answersLogoWhite

0

A radioactive element has unstable atomic nuclei. These nuclei will decay according to the decay scheme for that given element under inspection. Depending on the type of decay, an alpha particle (a helium-4 nucleus), or a beta particle (an electron or a positron, depending) may be ejected from the nucleus. This will result in nuclear transformation. With each decay, a "new" nuclear configuration will appear, and these nuclei will, if they are also unstable, undergo further radioactive decay along what is called a decay chain. With continued decay, the atoms will change and reach the end of the chain, and this will be signaled by the appearance of a stable atomic nucleus.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

When radioactive isotopes break down into other elements the process is called?

radioactive decay


Who discovered radioactive decay in 1898?

ernest Rutherford _______________________________________________________________ Radioactive decay was actually discovered in 1896 by Henri Bacquerel. Ernest Rutherford discovered the formula of radioactive decay (Such as the falk-life, differences between alpha and beta decay and even how the elements become new elements after the decay), but he did not discover the radioactive decay himself.


What forms new elements?

radioactive decay


Do all elements decay over time?

No, not all elements decay over time. Some elements are stable and do not undergo radioactive decay.


Which are unstable elements that decay or break down into differt elements?

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.


Which are unstable elements that decay or break down into different elements?

Radioactive


What element continue to decay until they finally become stable?

All elements above the atomic number of 83 are radioactive, but two elements that are under it are also radioactive. They are technetium (atomic number 43) and promethium (atomic number 61). Radioactive elements are elements that decay until stable. =)


Can one element change into a different element?

Yes, but only if it is radioactive. Radioactive elements change into different elements through radioactive decay.


What can scientists learn from the rate at which radioactive elements decay?

fossils


What are elements with no stable isotopes called?

Elements with no stable isotopes are called radioactive elements. These elements spontaneously undergo radioactive decay, which leads to the formation of stable isotopes over time.


Do all elements have a half-life?

No, not all elements have a half-life. Half-life is a property of radioactive elements that undergo decay over time. Non-radioactive elements do not have a half-life because they do not decay in the same way.


Which phrase describes one characteristic of radioactive elements?

Radioactive elements undergo spontaneous decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma particles.