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The basic difference is that in radioactive decay, an unstable isotope spontaneously undergoes a nuclear change. In nuclear fission, a fissionable isotope absorbs a neutron, becomes unstable, and then fissions by breaking into a couple of pieces and releasing one or more neutrons plus some energy. Nuclear fission is usually thought of as intentionally caused.
Note: It is possible for a fissionable isotope to spontaneously fission without capturing a neutron. This is not the usual mode of "breakdown" of the isotope, but it is possible in a small number of cases.
Links to the relevant Wikipedia articles are provided.
Nuclear fission involves the splitting of a large atomic nucleus into smaller parts, releasing energy in the process. This process is typically triggered in nuclear reactors or bombs. Radioactive decay, on the other hand, is the spontaneous breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus into smaller particles or energy forms, resulting in the emission of radiation.
Some atomic nuclei are naturally unstable, and they will spontaneously "change" in various ways according to the type of nucleus is being inspected. The possibilities for decay include beta decay, alpha decay, and spontaneous fission. The two former ones see the nucleus kick out a particle and change its composition. In the latter, the nucleus just "splits" approximately in two, releasing neutrons. Separate questions here already speak to these processes, and they are linked below.
Radioactive decay happens to the unstable atom nuclei in its efforts striving to reach stability. The nucleus of any element atom should have specific neutron/proton ratio to be a stable nucleus. Also, the absolute number of protons should not exceed certain limit.
For a nucleus with neutron/proton different than the stability ratio, radioactive decay occurs to reach the stability ratio. For a nucleus with the absolute number of protons exceeding a certain limit, the nucleus may reach stability by radioactive decay and/or fission of the nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei with emission of one or more neutrons (as the spontaneous fission of one of the plutonium isotopes) and gamma electromagnetic radiation.
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For a nucleus with neutron/proton is higher than the stability ratio, two types of radioactive decay may occur to decrease the ratio in the nucleus in order to reach stability:
- radioactive beta decay: in which a neutron transforms into proton plus electron where the proton remains in the nucleus and the electron is emitted from the nucleus as beta radiation
- radioactive neutron decay: in which a neutron is emitted from the nucleus as neutron radiation (this transformation is relatively rare. Example of this transformation is the unstable Krypton-87)
For a nucleus with neutron/proton is lower than the stability ratio, two types of radioactive decay may occur to increase the ratio in the nucleus in order to reach stability:
- radioactive proton decay: in which a proton in the nucleus transforms into neutron plus positron where the neutron remains in the nucleus and the positron is emitted from the nucleus as positive beta radiation
- proton attraction of one electron from the nearest orbit to the nucleus to form neutron that remains in the nucleus.
For an unstable nucleus with number of protons exceeding the stability limit, the nucleus may reach stability with one or more of the above four nuclear transformations or by:
- fission of the nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei with emission of one or more neutrons (as the spontaneous fission of one of the plutonium isotopes).
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Are there any non examples of radioactive decay?
Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are processes that involve nuclear reactions but are not examples of radioactive decay. Chemical reactions, such as burning wood, do not involve nuclear processes and are also not examples of radioactive decay.
Which process is not a common form of natural radioactive decay?
Nuclear fission is not a common form of natural radioactive decay. Nuclear fission occurs when a heavy atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process, but it is primarily associated with artificial processes such as nuclear power generation or nuclear weapons.
What is splitting of atomic nuclei?
Splitting of atomic nuclei, also known as nuclear fission, is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller parts. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
What would happen to the type of atom when the number of protons is changed?
It would become an atom of a different element. This can only happen during radioactive decay, nuclear fusion, or nuclear fission.
Does strontium undergo radioactive decay?
Yes, strontium can undergo radioactive decay. One common isotope of strontium, strontium-90, is a radioactive isotope that decays through beta decay. It is a byproduct of nuclear fission and can be harmful to living organisms due to its radioactive nature.
What is the transformation of uranium?
- radioactive decay - nuclear fission - nuclear reactions
Are there any non examples of radioactive decay?
Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are processes that involve nuclear reactions but are not examples of radioactive decay. Chemical reactions, such as burning wood, do not involve nuclear processes and are also not examples of radioactive decay.
What happens to the nucleus?
Nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, natural fission
Which process is not a common form of natural radioactive decay?
Nuclear fission is not a common form of natural radioactive decay. Nuclear fission occurs when a heavy atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process, but it is primarily associated with artificial processes such as nuclear power generation or nuclear weapons.
What is splitting of atomic nuclei?
Splitting of atomic nuclei, also known as nuclear fission, is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller parts. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
What is the release of nuclear particles and energy called?
If atoms are radioactive, they can emit alpha,beta, or gamma radiation. The energy of the particles or rays emitted depends on the exact isotopes concerned, and varies widely from one to another.
What would happen to the type of atom when the number of protons is changed?
It would become an atom of a different element. This can only happen during radioactive decay, nuclear fusion, or nuclear fission.
Does strontium undergo radioactive decay?
Yes, strontium can undergo radioactive decay. One common isotope of strontium, strontium-90, is a radioactive isotope that decays through beta decay. It is a byproduct of nuclear fission and can be harmful to living organisms due to its radioactive nature.
In which of these processes is an element of matter changed into a completely different element a nuclear fission b nuclear fusion c alpha decay d all the above?
The process where an element of matter is changed into a completely different element is nuclear fission. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, resulting in the formation of different elements. Nuclear fusion is the process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, while alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an alpha particle is emitted from a nucleus.
Where does gamma radiation come from?
Gamma radiation comes from the nuclei of atoms, usually as a result of nuclear reactions or radioactive decay. It is the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation and can be produced by processes such as nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or from certain types of radioactive decay.
The contolled release of nuclear energy in reactor is accomplished by?
Nuclear energy is released during: fission radioactive decay man-induced splitting of atoms
Is the helium nucleus a byproduct of fission?
No, the helium nucleus, also called an alpha particle, is not a byproduct of fission. Alpha particles are commonly emitted during processes such as radioactive decay or in fusion reactions. Fission typically produces lighter elements, such as fragments of uranium or plutonium nuclei.
