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That depends on the specific radioisotope. For instance, uranium 238 emits an alpha particle during radioactive decay, reducing the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus by 2 each and producing thorium 234. On the other hand, carbon 14 emits a beta particle (an electron) during radioactive decay, decreasing the number of neutrons and increasing the number of protons by 1 each and producing nitrogen 14. There are quite a few other examples with different changes depending on the type of radioactive decay.

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7y ago
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10y ago

Because its nucleus is in an unstable excited state. By undergoing radioactive decay it can shed this excess energy and relax to a more stable state. Some atoms must undergo multiple decay processes before their nucleus arrives at the stable ground state.

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11y ago

You are exposed every day from natural sources. In some areas there are trace amounts of radioactive material in the ground. Some of the decay processes releases Radon gas, which can enter homes. The radon gas is radioactive, so you are breathing a radioactive source. Even common building materials may have some radioactive material in them.

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7y ago

The decaying atom will emit something - which usually involves an alpha particle, a beta particle, a gamma ray, or some combination - and become a different type of atom.

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10y ago

by definition

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Q: How does radioactive decay become radioactive?
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Related questions

Who discovered radioactive decay in 1898?

ernest Rutherford _______________________________________________________________ Radioactive decay was actually discovered in 1896 by Henri Bacquerel. Ernest Rutherford discovered the formula of radioactive decay (Such as the falk-life, differences between alpha and beta decay and even how the elements become new elements after the decay), but he did not discover the radioactive decay himself.


Process atoms use to become stable?

Radioactive decay


What is the source of heat in the Earth interior?

The decay of radioactive isotopes.The decay of radioactive isotopes.The decay of radioactive isotopes.The decay of radioactive isotopes.


When radioactive isotopes break down into other elements the process is called?

radioactive decay


Importance of radioactive decay?

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


When an atom undergoes radioactive decay does it become a different element?

That depends on the type of decay, alpha and beta decay change the atom into a different element but gamma decay does not.


What is decay.?

Decay means to rot or to become decomposed. For example: The tomato started to decay. Hope this helps!!


The half-life of a radioactive element is?

The time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of a radioactive element to decay.


How is the radioactive decay of Krypton different from the radioactive decay of Americium?

The radioactive decay of americium 241 is by alpha disintegration; the disintegration of radioactive krypton isotopes is by beta particles emission.


What term indicates the process in which unstable nuclide release radiation?

If it is related to Nuclear studies, then the answer would be fusion.


What is lost during radioactive decay?

Decay energy is the energy that has been freed during radioactive decay. When radioactive decay is ongoing it drops off some energy by means of discharging radiation.


What are advantages of radioactive decay?

One reason is that radioactive decay heats the earths interior