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A nucleus can be inherently unstable. It can absorb an energetic photon (photoactivation) and become unstable. It can capture positrons, electrons, neutrons, and protons and become unstable. Decay processes include: # Alpha emission, a high energy 4He nucleus # Beta emission, a high energy electron # Beta+ emission / Beta capture, either a positron is emitted or an electron is captured into the nucleus (Burp!) # Gamma emission, one or more high energy photons are emitted # Neutron emission, neutrons of varying energies may be ejected in the process of a heavy nucleus decay (even tritium).

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How are energy loss and nuclear stability related to radioactive decay?

Energy loss in the form of emitted radiation during radioactive decay occurs because the nucleus becomes more stable by undergoing the decay process. The emitted radiation carries away energy and particles, resulting in a more stable nucleus with lower energy levels. Thus, radioactive decay helps to increase the overall stability of the nucleus by reducing excess energy.


Which atoms are least likely to be radioactive?

Atoms with stable nuclei are least likely to be radioactive. Typically, atoms with an even number of protons and neutrons are more stable and less likely to undergo radioactive decay. This includes elements such as carbon-12, oxygen-16, and nitrogen-14.


What is likely to happen to atoms like plutonium with many neutrons and a heavy nucleus?

Radioactive disintegration or spontaneous fission


Which atoms will always be radioactive?

There is no specific atom that will always be radioactive. Any atom with an unstable nucleus can be radioactive, resulting in the emission of radiation. Isotopes of certain elements, such as uranium and plutonium, are more likely to be radioactive due to their relatively large atomic numbers.


What is the process by which the nucleus of an atom changes so that a new element is formed?

Nuclear transmutation is the process by which the nucleus of an atom changes, resulting in the formation of a new element. This can occur through radioactive decay, nuclear fission, or nuclear fusion, where the number of protons in the nucleus changes, leading to the creation of a different element.


Which nucleus would-be MOST likely to be radioactive?

plutonium-241Explanation: Pu-241 is a highly radioactive isotope. It is used in nuclear reactors and nuclear bombs because of its instability. The others have a ratio of one proton to one neutron and are very stable.There are some elements that have no stable nucleus. Most notably Technetium and most elements above Lead.


What makes a chemical radioactive?

An element is radioactive if its atomic nuclei are unstable. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons; the electromagnetic force pushes the protons apart because they have the same charge, but the strong nuclear force pulls the protons and neutrons together. A nucleus is only stable if it has the right balance of protons and neutrons, and doesn't have any extra energy (if it does, it is said to be in an excited state).An unstable nucleus will sooner or later change its state by undergoing radioactive decay. There are many kinds of radioactive decay, but four are particularly well known:* The nucleus may eject a cluster of two protons and two neutrons, which is called an alpha particle.* A neutron may convert into a proton by emitting an electron (in this context called a beta particle) and an antineutrino.* An excited nucleus may release energy in the form of a photon, called a gamma ray.* The nucleus may break up into two or more smaller nuclei, typically releasing one or more neutrons in the process; this is called spontaneous fission.


What elements are radioactive?

Answerelements with a nonstable isotope or at least one naturally occurring isotope that is radioactive. AnswerAll elements have radioactive isotopes.There are a lot of radioactive elements: Technetium, Promethium, Polonium, Astatine, Radon, Francium...Here is the whole list: http://periodictable.com/Elements/Radioactive


What element has the mass number 260?

The element with mass number 260 does not exist naturally. However, an artificial element with the mass number 260 could be produced in a nuclear reaction involving a heavy nucleus and would likely be a radioactive isotope.


How does binding energy per nucleon affect the stability of a nucleus?

The binding energy per nucleon is a measure of the stability of a nucleus. A higher binding energy per nucleon indicates a more stable nucleus because it requires more energy to break apart the nucleus into individual nucleons. Nuclei with higher binding energy per nucleon are more likely to be stable against radioactive decay.


What body organ is most likely harmed by explosure to radioactive iodine?

The thyroid gland is most likely harmed by exposure to radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine can be absorbed by the thyroid gland, leading to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer or other thyroid disorders.


What happens if an atom is too ionized?

If your atom is too ionized, it will likely zip away from you and attach itself to a nearby atom or molecule. An atom becomes radioactive when its nucleus contains too many or too few neutrons. Try to keep the same number of neutrons and protons as you build your atom. If the imbalance is too great, radioactive decay will occur.