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How atom is unstable?

Updated: 8/10/2023
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11y ago

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Radioactivity of certain atoms occurs because the energy state of the nucleus is increased above the lowest possible level for the components of the nucleus. The nucleus is in effect trying to achieve a lower energy level, by emitting energy in the form of radiation. Sometimes a long chain of decay exists before a stable nucleus emerges. The most common forms of decay are: 1. alpha decay-an alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. Thus in alpha decay the atomic number of the nucleus reduces by two, and the atomic weight by four. 2. Beta decay-a beta particle is an electron or a positron. These are formed by decay of a neutron to a proton (beta minus) or a proton to a neutron (beta plus). Thus in beta decay the atomic number of the nucleus increases or decreases by one, the atomic weight remains constant. 3. Gamma decay-a gamma ray is a high energy photon which results from an excited state of a nucleus, without change in atomic number or atomic weight.

In all these cases the resulting nucleus has lower energy than the initial one.

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15y ago
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13y ago

"In order to gain stability, it would try to convert this extra mass of neutrons into sub-particles which are thrown out of the atom." Basically by radioactive decay they gain stability.

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13y ago

Atoms whose nuclei decay by radioactivity.

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11y ago

A atom becomes unstable when there is an unequal amount of protons and neutrons (if there is more neutrons than protons, or vice-versa).

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9y ago

If an atom is deemed as unstable then it means that it has lost particles of energy. An atom will automatically try to regain and become stable again and so are donkeys nuts.

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11y ago

When it is heavier then Bismuth and/or when having the ratio of protons to neutrons different than the corresponding ratio to stability.

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8y ago

These are atoms with a high ratio neutrons/protons.

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7y ago

"Unstable" means that they will decay. Such atoms will eventually emit energy, and perhaps alpha or beta particles, while they convert to some other type of atom.

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7y ago

Unstable atoms are disintegrated.

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8y ago

hahah9d

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Q: How atom is unstable?
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