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Electron capture is the absorption of an electron by an atomic nucleus if that nucleus is neutron poor. An electron is captured, usually from an inner electron shell of that atom, and it will convert a proton in the nucleus into a neutron. We know that a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron in neutron decay, so it might be looked at as something of an opposite nuclear reaction where a proton and an electron combine to form a neutron.
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Is the atom left after decay often radioactive?
Yes, the atom left after decay is often radioactive because the decay process can lead to the creation of unstable isotopes that emit radiation. This radiation can continue to decay until a stable atom is formed.
What is the effect of pressure on the rate of radioactive decay?
Pressure does not have a significant effect on the rate of radioactive decay, as it is mainly influenced by the instability of the nucleus of the atom. The decay process is determined by the nuclear forces within the atom, which are not significantly affected by external pressure changes.
What must occur before a radioactive atoms ceases to undergo further radioactive decay?
Before a radioactive atom ceases to undergo further radioactive decay, it must reach a stable configuration or decay into a non-radioactive isotope through the emission of particles or energy. This process continues until the atom reaches a state of stability where it no longer emits radiation.
How long does it take a radioactive atom to decay?
The time it takes for a radioactive atom to decay can vary significantly depending on the specific isotope. This is measured in terms of a half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. Half-lives can range from fractions of a second to billions of years.
What is an unstable nucleus that starts a decay process called?
A nucleus that starts to decay is called a radioactive nucleus or atom. It decays with a known and unique half life by several processes including but not limited to beta decay, alpha decay, electron capture decay, and positron emission.
Is the atom left after decay often radioactive?
Yes, the atom left after decay is often radioactive because the decay process can lead to the creation of unstable isotopes that emit radiation. This radiation can continue to decay until a stable atom is formed.
What is when the nucleus of an atom decomposes called?
radioactive decay
When radioactive decay occurs a atom is always produced by the action?
During any type of radioactive decay, one isotope (type of atom) will convert into a different isotope.
When an atom undergoes radioactive decay does it become a different element?
That depends on the type of decay, alpha and beta decay change the atom into a different element but gamma decay does not.
What process is a radioactive decay?
The process of a radioactive decay is atomic nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionizing particles
Can a radioactive element completely decay so that it is all stable matter?
A radioactive element (atom) can decay up to a stable isotope.
What is the release of a helium atom involved in?
This is the alpha radioactive decay.
What is the effect of pressure on the rate of radioactive decay?
Pressure does not have a significant effect on the rate of radioactive decay, as it is mainly influenced by the instability of the nucleus of the atom. The decay process is determined by the nuclear forces within the atom, which are not significantly affected by external pressure changes.
Do atom get rid of their excess energy by giving off radioactive decay?
Yes, that's more or less what happens in the case of radioactive decay.
What is the term for the element that a radioactive isotope decay into?
The term for the element that a radioactive isotope decays into is called the "daughter product". During radioactive decay, the original isotope transforms into a different element or isotope through a series of decay reactions.
What must occur before a radioactive atoms ceases to undergo further radioactive decay?
Before a radioactive atom ceases to undergo further radioactive decay, it must reach a stable configuration or decay into a non-radioactive isotope through the emission of particles or energy. This process continues until the atom reaches a state of stability where it no longer emits radiation.
When the nucleus of an atom changes by emiting particles what is this called?
radioactive decay
