Why nuclear radiations occur in atoms with large nucleus?

In summary, nuclear radiations occur in atoms with large and small nuclei due to the repulsion between protons and the binding energy of the residual strong force. In larger nuclei, the repulsion grows quicker and makes them more likely to decay. In small nuclei with an unbalanced proton/neutron ratio, such as tritium, the lone neutron radiates due to the imbalance. However, the presence of a deuteron in tritium reduces the radiation energy of the extra neutron, allowing it to still decay into helium-3, an electron, and a neutrino.
  • #1
abi.ayan
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why nuclear radiations occur in atoms with large nucleus?Is it the weakening of residual strong force?
If so why it gets weak ?
 
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  • #2
Radiation also occurs in atoms with a small nucleus, for example tritium (H-3) and carbon-14.
 
  • #3
abi.ayan said:
why nuclear radiations occur in atoms with large nucleus?Is it the weakening of residual strong force?
If so why it gets weak ?
It does not get weak, but the repulsion between all those protons grows quicker than the binding due to the residual strong force*. Therefore, as a general tendency, very big nuclei are more likely to decay in some way.

*the binding energy due to the strong force is (approximately) proportional to the number of nucleons. On the other hand, every proton is repelling every other proton in the nucleus - this contribution grows with the squared proton number.

Small nuclei with a very unbalanced proton/neutron ratio are unstable, too.
 
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  • #4
mfb said:
It does not get weak, but the repulsion between all those protons grows quicker than the binding due to the residual strong force*.

But in tritium atom there is only one proton.Hence there will be no repulsion.So why do it radiate??
 
  • #5
abi.ayan said:
But in tritium atom there is only one proton.Hence there will be no repulsion.So why do it radiate??

Imbalance between protons and neutrons. A lone neutron radiates as well.

In fact, tritium atom radiates much less energy than a lone neutron does. A deuteron repels a proton, and that decreases the radiation energy of the extra neutron. Just not enough to stop the radiation altogether, like with lithium 7.
 
  • #6
abi.ayan said:
But in tritium atom there is only one proton.Hence there will be no repulsion.So why do it radiate??
The part you quoted was about alpha radiation - something you mainly find at big nuclei.

Helium-3+electron+neutrino is lighter than tritium (the mass difference between protons and neutrons is relevant here), therefore tritium can decay.
 

1. Why do nuclear radiations occur in atoms with large nucleus?

Nuclear radiations occur in atoms with large nucleus because of the instability of the nucleus. As the nucleus becomes larger, the forces holding it together become weaker, making it more likely to undergo radioactive decay.

2. How do large nuclei become unstable?

Large nuclei become unstable due to the imbalance between the strong nuclear force, which holds the nucleus together, and the electrostatic repulsion between protons, which tries to push the nucleus apart. This imbalance becomes more pronounced as the number of protons in the nucleus increases, making it more likely to undergo radioactive decay.

3. What causes the release of radiation from a large nucleus?

The release of radiation from a large nucleus is caused by the process of radioactive decay, where unstable nuclei break down into more stable forms. This decay process releases energy in the form of radiation, such as alpha, beta, or gamma particles.

4. Are all atoms with large nuclei radioactive?

No, not all atoms with large nuclei are radioactive. The stability of a nucleus depends on the balance between the strong nuclear force and electrostatic repulsion. Some large nuclei are stable and do not undergo radioactive decay, while others are unstable and release radiation.

5. Can nuclear radiations be harmful?

Yes, nuclear radiations can be harmful if exposure is excessive. High levels of radiation can damage cells and tissues in the body and lead to health problems, such as cancer. However, low levels of radiation are constantly present in our environment and are not harmful to our health.

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