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When the forces within a nucleus, specifically the strong nuclear force, are insufficient to counteract the repulsive electromagnetic force between protons, the nucleus becomes unstable. This instability can lead to radioactive decay, where the nucleus emits particles or radiation in an effort to achieve a more stable configuration. Such processes include alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Ultimately, this results in the transformation of the original atom into a different element or isotope.

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Why would an atom become radio active?

Atoms of an element do not become radioactive, they are radioactive. This is because their nuclei are unstable. The nucleus of an atom contains protons and these are positively charged electrically. When you squeeze a lot of bodies with the same charge tightly together the charges repel one another strongly and the nucleus wants to (and does) fly apart. This is the driver for radioactivity. To enable the large atomic nuclei of the heavier elements to exist, you must space out the protons in the nucleus with neutral particles called neutrons. The presence of the neutrons and how many of them there are help stabilise atomic nuclei and slows down the rate of radioactive decay in certain configurations of packing.


Is spontaneous fusion a form of radioactive decay?

No, the fusion process is the opposite of the radioactive decay process. Fusion is the merging together of nuclei to form a heavier nucleus whereas fission or radioactive decay is the splitting apart of a heavy nucleus into lighter daughter nuclei.


If an element is radioactive is it's nucleus unstable?

Yes,The element is radioactive due to the instability of its nucleus.See the related question below for more information.


Nucleus of the chemical element atomic number 2 emitted by some radioactive substances?

The nucleus of the chemical element with atomic number 2 is known as an alpha particle. It is emitted by some radioactive substances during the process of alpha decay, where a parent nucleus releases an alpha particle to become a more stable daughter nucleus. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together.


What causes radioactivity?

Radioactivity is caused by the instability of an atom's nucleus. An unstable nucleus can emit particles or energy in the form of radiation in order to become more stable. This process is known as radioactive decay.

Related Questions

Why would an atom become radio active?

Atoms of an element do not become radioactive, they are radioactive. This is because their nuclei are unstable. The nucleus of an atom contains protons and these are positively charged electrically. When you squeeze a lot of bodies with the same charge tightly together the charges repel one another strongly and the nucleus wants to (and does) fly apart. This is the driver for radioactivity. To enable the large atomic nuclei of the heavier elements to exist, you must space out the protons in the nucleus with neutral particles called neutrons. The presence of the neutrons and how many of them there are help stabilise atomic nuclei and slows down the rate of radioactive decay in certain configurations of packing.


How uranium nucleus become stable?

Being radioactive, uranium is not a stable element.


Is spontaneous fusion a form of radioactive decay?

No, the fusion process is the opposite of the radioactive decay process. Fusion is the merging together of nuclei to form a heavier nucleus whereas fission or radioactive decay is the splitting apart of a heavy nucleus into lighter daughter nuclei.


What would happen to an atom if the number of protons in the nucleus changed?

It would become a different element. It could become radioactive.


If an element is radioactive is it's nucleus unstable?

Yes,The element is radioactive due to the instability of its nucleus.See the related question below for more information.


What makes a nucleus radioactive?

If you are referring to a cell's nucleus than the simple answer is that's not radioactive. Radioactivity occurs when elemental atoms become unstable due to the loss or gain of additional neutrons; these unstable atoms are referred to as radioactive isotopes. If a cell's nucleus were radioactive it would not last very long, its structure and function would quickly degrade and collapse.


Nucleus of the chemical element atomic number 2 emitted by some radioactive substances?

The nucleus of the chemical element with atomic number 2 is known as an alpha particle. It is emitted by some radioactive substances during the process of alpha decay, where a parent nucleus releases an alpha particle to become a more stable daughter nucleus. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together.


Elements become radioactive when the repulsive strong nuclear force overcomes the attractive electroactive force?

If your on apex it’s false


What happens to the nucleus when a neutron hits it?

When a neutron hits the nucleus, it can be absorbed by the nucleus, causing the nucleus to become unstable and possibly undergo radioactive decay. This process can lead to the release of energy, emission of radiation, or transmutation of the nucleus into a different element.


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 causes radioactivity?

Radioactivity is caused by the instability of an atom's nucleus. An unstable nucleus can emit particles or energy in the form of radiation in order to become more stable. This process is known as radioactive decay.


Importance of radioactive decay?

it is used by scientist to to calculate a rock's age