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When a nucleus is unstable it has either too many or too few neutrons in the nucleus. This is what causes nuclear decay as the nucleus needs to have the correct ratio of neutrons to protons to be stable.
It may be triggered by an outside force, such as a colliding particle, or simply by chance.
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When an unstable magnesium nucleus undergoes gamma decay the nucleus formed is that of what?
When an unstable magnesium nucleus undergoes gamma decay, it remains as a magnesium nucleus. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus, only releasing a gamma photon to reduce excess energy.
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.
Non-example of alpha decay?
Beta decay is a non-example of alpha decay. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) from an unstable atomic nucleus, whereas alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) from a nucleus.
The nucleus of a radium 226 atom is unstable which causes the nucleus to?
undergo radioactive decay, releasing alpha particles. This decay process results in the transformation of the radium 226 nucleus into a different element, typically radon 222, along with the release of energy.
If the nucleus of a radium-226 atom is unstable what causes the nucleus to spontaneously decay?
Instability is due to a certain ratio between neutrons and protons in the atomic nucleus.
How is a stable nucleus different to an unstable nucleus?
A stable nucleus is one which will not decay, whereas an unstable nucleus will decay at some point, which cannot be predicted as decay is a random process, by alpha or beta decay.
When an unstable magnesium nucleus undergoes gamma decay the nucleus formed is that of what?
When an unstable magnesium nucleus undergoes gamma decay, it remains as a magnesium nucleus. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus, only releasing a gamma photon to reduce excess energy.
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.
What are the causes of decay?
An unstable nucleus, which can be caused by:excess of neutronsshortage of neutronsmetastable excited state of nucleus
What happens to a nucleus of an unstable atom?
An unstable nucleus can undergo radioactive decay to become more stable. This can involve emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The decay process results in a transformation of the nucleus into a different element or isotope.
What can cause a nucleus to become unstable and decay?
Too many or too few neutrons.
What is a nucleus that is unstable and undergoes decay?
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
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
Non-example of alpha decay?
Beta decay is a non-example of alpha decay. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) from an unstable atomic nucleus, whereas alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) from a nucleus.
The nucleus of a radium 226 atom is unstable which causes the nucleus to?
undergo radioactive decay, releasing alpha particles. This decay process results in the transformation of the radium 226 nucleus into a different element, typically radon 222, along with the release of energy.
If the nucleus of a radium-226 atom is unstable what causes the nucleus to spontaneously decay?
Instability is due to a certain ratio between neutrons and protons in the atomic nucleus.
What is an unstable atom?
An unstable atom is an atom that has an imbalance in the ratio of protons to neutrons in its nucleus, making it prone to undergo radioactive decay. This decay results in the emission of particles or energy in order to achieve a more stable configuration. Unstable atoms will continue to decay until they reach a state of stability.
