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In nuclear science, the decay chain refers to the radioactive decay of different discrete radioactive decay products as a chained series of transformations. Most radioactive elements do not decay directly to a stable state, but rather undergo a series of decays until eventually a stable isotope is reached.

Decay stages are referred to by their relationship to previous or subsequent stages. A parent isotope is one that undergoes decay to form a daughter isotope. The daughter isotope may be stable or it may decay to form a daughter isotope of its own. The daughter of a daughter isotope is sometimes called a granddaughter isotope.

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What is a Toxic metallic element decay product of uranium?

The end products of uranium isotopes decay chain are the isotopes of lead.


What is the stable element for the uranium decay chain?

Isotopes of lead


When does an unstable isotope break down into a stable isotope?

The process is called decay, or sometimes nuclear decay. A link can be found below.


What isotopes accumulate in old uranium-bearing rock?

Ultimately lead, as it is the only element in the uranium decay chains with isotopes that are stable. Specifically the isotopes 206, 207, and 208; each of which is the end of a different decay chain.


Why does the decay chain stop at lead-206?

Lead-206 is a stable isotope, which means it does not undergo further radioactive decay. As a result, the decay chain stops at lead-206 because it does not have any unstable isotopes that it can decay into.


Are daughter isotopes stable?

No. Often a decay product is itself unstable and will decay into something else until a stable isotope is reached. This is called a decay chain. For example, Uranium-238 will decay 15 times through various isotopes until it becomes lead-206 which is stable


Are daughter isotopes always stable?

No. Often a decay product is itself unstable and will decay into something else until a stable isotope is reached. This is called a decay chain. For example, Uranium-238 will decay 15 times through various isotopes until it becomes lead-206 which is stable


How many different elements appear in the decay chain?

Common elements in a decay chain include uranium, thorium, radium, radon, and polonium. These elements undergo radioactive decay to produce different isotopes and elements through a series of transformations.


What is the slow breakdown of radioactive substances into more stable elements?

Radioactive elements break down in to stable isotopes through nuclear decay. The list of isotopes from a nuclear isotope to a stable isotope is called its decay chain.


What is isotopes accumulate in old uranium bearing rock?

All the isotopes from the decay chains exist in these rocks. The most important are the dangerous isotopes of radium and radon.


How many different appear in the decay chain?

There are about 110 elements found in the Periodic Table.... is it the same as decay chain?


Why is lead mixed in with all deposits of uranium?

Because the stable isotopes of lead are the end products of the decay chain of uranium natural radioactive isotopes. or because lead is the product of decayed uranium... that should be a good enough answer for your chem teacher you cheater!