What causes an atom to release electromagnetic radiation?

Answer 1

The reason radioactive isotopes emit radiation is that the emission of radiation is a nutural consequence of being radioactive. Let's look a bit more closely.

Radioactive isotopes are unstable atoms, and they willundergo radioactive decay sooner or later. The unstable atomic nuclei undergo a change based on what particular isotope is being considered. In any case, when a nuclear change occurs, radiation of some kind is emitted from that nucleus. It really is that simple.

Answer 2

The "short" answer is that some atoms, the ones that are radioactive, have a nucleus that is unstable, and it will "break apart" at some time. The protons and neutrons that are fused in a given nucleus of a given isotope of a given element might not, for some reason, like the arrangement they are forced to accept when the nucleus is made. As a result, that nucleus is unstable and likely to decay by some mechanism. When an atom of a radioactive isotope decays, it emits radiation (particulate and/or electromagnetic) as a way to loose energy to shift to a more "acceptable" nuclear state. Note that the more "acceptable" nuclear state may, itself, be another radioactive isotope, and it will decay sooner or later to form yet another nucleus. This will continue over time until that atom reaches a stable nuclear state. Further decay will not occur as the protons and neutrons in the nucleus are now "happy" with the way things are and will stay together.

Answer 3

The "short" answer is that some atoms, the ones that are radioactive, have a nucleus that is unstable, and it will "break apart" at some time. The protons and neutrons that are fused in a given nucleus of a given isotope of a given element might not, for some reason, like the arrangement they are forced to accept when the nucleus is made. As a result, that nucleus is unstable and likely to decay by some mechanism. When an atom of a radioactive isotope decays, it emits radiation (particulate and/or electromagnetic) as a way to loose energy to shift to a more "acceptable" nuclear state.

Note that the more "acceptable" nuclear state may, itself, be another radioactive isotope, and it will decay sooner or later to form yet another nucleus. This will continue over time until that atom reaches a stable nuclear state. Further decay will not occur as the protons and neutrons in the nucleus are now

Answer 4

An atom can release electromagnetic radiation when an electron transitions from a higher energy level to a lower energy level within the atom. This transition results in the emission of a photon of specific energy corresponding to the difference in energy levels.

Answer 5

They don't give off energy. Atoms are neutral particles because the protons and electrons balance each other out. Unless the atom is tampered with by man.

Answer 6

didier digard tackles the atom and it explodes

Answer 7

Atoms release energy when they collide in the form of heat. the faster the speed of impact the more heat is released.

Answer 8

Radioactive decay happens when an unstable atom cannot hold itself together, and pieces of it fly out. The pieces include the emissions we call radiation.

Answer 9

Because it makes bowel movements..