Just wondering, why are some atoms radioactive and others not?

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    Atoms Radioactive
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why some atoms are radioactive while others are not, exploring the factors that contribute to atomic stability and the mechanisms of radioactive decay. The scope includes theoretical explanations and conceptual clarifications regarding nuclear properties and decay processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the stability of nuclides is determined by the right combination of protons and neutrons, with excess nucleons leading to decay.
  • It is proposed that radionuclides with excess protons may decay through positron emission or electron capture, while those with excess neutrons may decay via beta or alpha emission.
  • One participant notes that alpha emission typically occurs in radionuclides with a mass greater than 210 amu.
  • Another viewpoint indicates that any atom can become a radioactive isotope by gaining neutrons, although this is contested by others who specify conditions under which certain atoms release neutrons.
  • There is a claim that nuclear decay can occur through various processes, including beta decay, positron emission, electron capture, alpha particle emission, and gamma decay.
  • A participant questions the definition of radioactivity, suggesting that all matter is in motion and thus implies that all things release energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms of radioactivity and the conditions under which atoms become radioactive. There is no consensus on the definitions and implications of radioactivity, indicating ongoing debate and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific definitions of stability and decay processes, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of isotopes and the conditions for radioactivity that remain unresolved.

EIRE2003
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Just wondering, why are some atoms radioactive and others not?
 
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The large number nucleoids cannot stay bonded.
 
Thanking you
 
Many nulcides are stable - they have the 'right' combination (number) of protons and neturons (nucleons) to maintain stability. Some nucides have an excess or protons or neutrons and decay at some point to a more stable configuration.

Radionuclides with an excess of protons will decay (transform) by positron emission or in a few cases by electron capture.

Radionuclides with an excess of neutrons will decay by beta or alpha emssion. Alpha emission occurs in many radionulides having mass greater than 210 amu (Bi-210 and Po-210 are the lightest alpha emitters).

Some transuranic nuclides undergo spontaneous fission.

Please refer to - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/radact.html#c1
 
radioactive atoms are isotopes with a certain number of excess neutrons that they "radiate" those neutrons, and give them off slowly. any atom can become a radioactive isotope by just gaining nuetrons.
 
beanybag said:
radioactive atoms are isotopes with a certain number of excess neutrons that they "radiate" those neutrons, and give them off slowly. any atom can become a radioactive isotope by just gaining nuetrons.
Not quite. Only certain atoms release neutrons when they undergo spontaneous fission, or when they undergo neutron-induced fission, or in rare cases interaction with a gamma ray or alpha particle.

Otherwise, nuclear decay occurs by electron emission (beta decay), positron emission, electron capture, alpha particle emission, and gamma decay.
 
wait a minute? doesn't radioactive simply mean to release energy. And since all things are always in motion and are made of atoms prove that all things release or provide energy.
 

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