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Radioisotopes are unstable because they have an imbalance of protons and neutrons in their atomic nuclei. This imbalance causes them to be prone to undergo radioactive decay in order to achieve a more stable configuration.

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Isotopes with unstable nuclei are?

Isotopes with unstable nuclei are radioactive and can undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more stable state. This decay process involves the release of radiation such as alpha or beta particles. The unstable isotopes are often used in various applications, including medicine and energy production.


How do radioisotopes of an element differ from other isotopes?

Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes that undergo radioactive decay, emitting particles and/or energy in the process. This distinguishes them from stable isotopes that do not undergo radioactive decay. Radioisotopes are often used in medicine, industry, and research for various applications due to their unique properties related to their decay process.


What are characteristics of radioisotopes?

Radioisotopes are isotopes of an element with unstable nuclei that undergo radioactive decay. They emit radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma particles. Radioisotopes are used in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and dating archaeological artifacts.


What is it called when atoms are unstable and undergo a nuclear decay?

radioactive decay


How many unstable nuclei exist in nature?

There are many unstable nuclei that exist in nature, but the exact number is difficult to determine due to the sheer variety of radioactive isotopes that can occur. These unstable nuclei can undergo radioactive decay to become more stable over time.


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 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.


Is selenium stable or unstable?

Selenium is generally considered stable in its elemental form. However, some of its isotopes are unstable and undergo radioactive decay.


What is isotope and radio isotope?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons. Radioisotopes are isotopes that are unstable and undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the process. They are commonly used in medicine, industry, and research.


What must occur before a radioactive atoms ceases to undergo further radioactive decay?

Before a radioactive atom ceases to undergo further radioactive decay, it must reach a stable configuration or decay into a non-radioactive isotope through the emission of particles or energy. This process continues until the atom reaches a state of stability where it no longer emits radiation.


Will unstable nuclei all undergo radioactive decay in order to gain stability?

Not necessarily. Some unstable nuclei can gain stability through processes such as alpha or beta decay, while others can undergo spontaneous fission. Additionally, some unstable nuclei may be in a metastable state and decay through isomeric transition.


What is stable and unstable isotopes?

Some isotopes are stable, others are unstable.