Does radioactive decay always result in a daughter nuclide in an excited state?

[scottseptembe]

Hello,

Would all radioactive decay lead to a daughter nuclide in a "nuclear excited" state, and if so, would this indicate that gamma rays are emitted in order for the nuclear ground/stable state to be reached after any decay?

Also, if nuclear decay occurs b/c of the imbalance of the nucleus's attractive strong nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force, why is it said that a "weak force" is the cause for decay? Thanks a lot.

 

[mfb]

Would all radioactive decay lead to a daughter nuclide in a "nuclear excited" state

No. But it is quite frequent.

Also, if nuclear decay occurs b/c of the imbalance of the nucleus's attractive strong nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force, why is it said that a "weak force" is the cause for decay? Thanks a lot.

The transition neutron<->proton is done via the weak interaction (or "weak force"). Strong and electromagnetic interaction cannot transform these particles.