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In most atoms the protons and neutrons found in the nucleus are held together strongly. The nuclei of these atoms are said to be stable.
However, the neutrons and protons in some atoms are not held together as strongly. These nuclei are unstable and will eventually disintegrate, forming other elements.
Isotopes that are unstable are said to be radioactive and are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.
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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 is the antonym of stable?
The antonym of stable is unstable.
Does too many neutrons determine if an isotope is unstable?
Yes, having too many neutrons relative to protons can make an isotope unstable. Neutrons help bind together the nucleus, but if there are too many, the nucleus can become unstable and undergo radioactive decay to become more stable.
Why is a larger nucleus not as stable as a smaller nucleus?
A larger nucleus has a higher number of protons, which results in stronger repulsive forces between the positively charged protons. This can lead to instability as the repulsive forces can overcome the attractive nuclear force, causing the nucleus to be less stable and more likely to undergo radioactive decay.
When will an unstable nuclide stop emitting radiation?
An unstable nuclide will stop emitting radiation when it decays into a stable daughter nuclide. This decay process continues until a stable configuration is reached, which may take seconds to billions of years depending on the nuclide.
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.
What is natural transmutation?
Change from unstable to stable nucleus.
What is the difference between unstable and stable air?
. Unstable air, if lifted, will rise by itself without any forcing. Stable air, if lifted, will tend to sink back down.,
What would happened to a stable nucleus in which the number of neutrons suddenly decreased?
The nucleus would become unstable because you need a certain amount of neutrons, electrons, and protons for it to be stable.
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.
Is radius caused by stable or unstable nucleus of atoms?
all nuclei, both stable and unstable, have a radius. although the exact size can be hard to define, due to quantum properties.
What is the difference between Neptunium and nickel?
Nickel is a natural and stable chemical element, neptunium is an artificial, unstable and radioactive metal.
What are the various differences between a stable and an unstable nuclei?
A stable nucleus has a balanced number of protons and neutrons, while an unstable nucleus has an imbalance. Unstable nuclei undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more stable configuration. Stable nuclei have a lower energy state, while unstable nuclei have excess energy that needs to be released.
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.
What is the difference between radioactive and non-radioactive isotope?
Radioactive minerals are unstable and emit radiation at a constant rate. They also have half lives and lose energy overtime. Nonradioactive minerals are stable, and by there own are incapable of emitting energy.
What happens during radioactive decay apex?
An unstable nucleus loses particles until it becomes stable.
What are the primary factor determining whether or not an atom is stable or unstable?
The primary factors determining whether an atom is stable or unstable are the balance between the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus (the neutron-to-proton ratio) and the nuclear forces holding the nucleus together. If an atom has too many or too few neutrons compared to protons, it can become unstable. Additionally, atoms with very large or very small atomic numbers tend to be less stable.
