0
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Atoms release energy when they collide in the form of heat. the faster the speed of impact the more heat is released.
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.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How much does an atom's mass change when it emits gamma radiation?
An atom's mass does not change when it emits gamma radiation. Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, so the total mass of the atom remains constant. The energy and momentum carried by the gamma radiation may cause the atom to recoil, but the mass of the atom itself does not change.
What best represents gamma emission?
Gamma emission is best represented by the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus of an atom. This type of radiation has the shortest wavelength and highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum, making it the most penetrating form of radiation. Gamma emission commonly occurs during radioactive decay processes.
What represents of gamma emission?
Gamma emission represents the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus of an atom. It is the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation and is typically associated with nuclear decay processes or nuclear reactions. Gamma emissions can penetrate matter easily due to their high energy and are commonly used in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
What is braking radiation?
Braking radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle (such as an electron) slows down or changes direction due to interacting with a nearby atom or nucleus. This sudden deceleration causes the particle to emit photons as it loses energy. Braking radiation can be seen in X-ray production when high-speed electrons are slowed down in the target material.
Which electromagnetic waves are produced during some nuclear reactions?
During nuclear reactions, gamma rays are produced as a form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays are the most energetic and penetrating type of electromagnetic radiation, and they are produced when the nucleus of an atom undergoes a change.
What is the different between radiation and electromagnetic radiation?
Radiation: Comes from the churn of the atom, the churn is fissured. Electromagnetic: When electrons are jumping between the schells of the atom, vreating waves. (Pardon my bad science English language)
Why is the study of electromagnetic radiation important to your understanding of how electrons are arranged in the atom?
The study of electromagnetic radiation is important because it helps us understand how electrons move and behave in the atom. By analyzing the different energies of electromagnetic radiation absorbed or emitted by electrons, we can determine their specific energy levels or orbits within the atom. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the arrangement of electrons in atomic orbitals and the overall structure of the atom.
What causes the electrons pull on the proton in an atom?
electromagnetic force
How much does an atom's mass change when it emits gamma radiation?
An atom's mass does not change when it emits gamma radiation. Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, so the total mass of the atom remains constant. The energy and momentum carried by the gamma radiation may cause the atom to recoil, but the mass of the atom itself does not change.
What best represents gamma emission?
Gamma emission is best represented by the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus of an atom. This type of radiation has the shortest wavelength and highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum, making it the most penetrating form of radiation. Gamma emission commonly occurs during radioactive decay processes.
What is released by decay?
Gamma radiation isn't a form of decay as it doesn't create a new atom but gamma radiation is an electromagnetic wave.
Is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by an excited atom is it a wave or a particle?
a particle traveling in wave form.
What theory of light best explains the emission of electromagnetic radiation of an excited atom?
Quantum Mechanics
What represents of gamma emission?
Gamma emission represents the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus of an atom. It is the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation and is typically associated with nuclear decay processes or nuclear reactions. Gamma emissions can penetrate matter easily due to their high energy and are commonly used in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
What is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by an excited atom called?
The emission of electromagnetic radiation by an excited atom is called spontaneous emission. This process occurs when an atom transitions from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, releasing a photon in the form of electromagnetic radiation in the process.
What is braking radiation?
Braking radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle (such as an electron) slows down or changes direction due to interacting with a nearby atom or nucleus. This sudden deceleration causes the particle to emit photons as it loses energy. Braking radiation can be seen in X-ray production when high-speed electrons are slowed down in the target material.
Which electromagnetic waves are produced during some nuclear reactions?
During nuclear reactions, gamma rays are produced as a form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays are the most energetic and penetrating type of electromagnetic radiation, and they are produced when the nucleus of an atom undergoes a change.
