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Radioactive elements are just like the other elements. They are made of neutrons, protons, and electrons. The only real difference is that they radiate matter in the form of Alpha particles (Helium nuclei, more specifically the Helium isotope with an Atomic Mass of four [2 Protons, 2 Neutrons]), Beta positive (positrons), and Beta negative (electrons) particles. An atom emits an Alpha particle when the ratio of neutrons to protons in its nucleus is too low. This eventually stabilizes the atom, causing it to become a smaller element. Alpha radiation/emission has the highest ionizing strength of the two forms of particle emission, but also does the worst at penetration, being possible to stop with a mere sheet of paper. Beta radiation/emission occurs when an atom has an excess of a particular nucleonic particle. Positive Beta emission occurs when an atom has an excess protons. It resolves this problem by turning the extra protons into neutrons by means of emitting a positron (the polar opposite of an electron) and an electron-type neutrino. Negative Beta emission occurs when an atom has an excess of neutrons. It solves this by converting the extra neutrons into protons. In doing this, it emits an electron (the polar opposite of an electron) and an electron-type anti-neutrino. Beta radiation doesn't have as strong an ionizing power as Alpha radiation, but it has a greater penetrating strength, requiring that a minimum of a sheet of aluminum be used to prevent it from going to someplace unwanted. Then, there are really dangerous radioactive atoms. The kind that emit Gamma rays. Gamma rays radiate from atoms when they make a dramatic shift in energy states in an incredibly short amount of time by emitting photons. Gamma radiation has the highest ionizing power of all forms of radiation and also has the strongest penetrating force, so strong that not even a whole wall of lead can stop it, just weaken it.

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What are isotopes considered radioactive?

Not all isotopes are radioactive; the radioactive isotopes are unstable and emit radiations.


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Sodium has no radioactive isotopes.


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Isotopes which have unstable nucleus and break down at a constant rate over time?

radioactive isotopes! :)


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Some examples are deuterium and tritium which are radioactive isotopes of hydrogen.


Does Barium have isotopes that are all radioactive?

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Are all transition elements are radioactive?

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Why is silver radioactive?

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