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Radioactive material is unstable because it "wants" to change the configuration of the nucleus to one that is more stable. This is a result in an inbalance of the ratio of protons vs neutrons, said ratio being different for each isotope.

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15y ago

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What makes a radioactive chain end?

The final product is not radioactive.


What makes trans-uranium elements radioactive?

Transuranium elements are radioactive and unstable; the stability of a nucleus is a problem of nucleon physics.


What counts radioactive material?

Radioactive materials are substances that contain unstable nuclei that can undergo radioactive decay, releasing energy in the form of radiation. Common examples include uranium, plutonium, and radium.


What are the unstable element?

Radioactive elements are unstable, and the shorter the half-life, the more unstable they are.


When an isotope is blank it is radioactive?

When an isotope is unstable, it is said to be radioactive.


What is An unstable isotope is called what?

It isn't really an ELEMENT that is unstable, but an ISOTOPE. That means that in general, for the same element, some atoms will decay, and some will not - the difference being the number of neutrons in the nucleus.


What is a mass of unstable atoms?

A mass of unstable atoms is known as a radioactive material. These atoms undergo spontaneous decay, emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves in order to become more stable. Examples of radioactive materials include uranium-235 and carbon-14.


True or false unstable atom that decomposes and emits energy is called retroactive?

No, it's called "radioactive." "Retroactive" is something that's active in regards to the past.


What are isotopes considered radioactive?

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


What is an unstable isotope?

Unstable isotopes are radioactive isotopes, can disintegrate and emit radiations.


What makes americium radioactive?

Americium is radioactive due to its unstable atomic structure, specifically the imbalance between protons and neutrons in its nucleus. This instability causes the americium atoms to undergo radioactive decay in order to achieve a more stable configuration, emitting harmful radiation in the process.


What is the process by which an element slowly decays over time?

It is through radioactive decay that a quantity of an unstable element will decay over time. A material that is unstable will undergo this process, and the sample is said to be radioactive.