Radioactive Decay: What Causes It?

In summary, radioactive decay is caused by the creation of unstable nuclei through various processes such as radioactive decay of another unstable nucleus or nuclear reactions. The unstable nuclei are either formed with an incorrect ratio of neutrons to protons or are overweight, and may also release energy in the form of gamma radiation. The theoretical basis for this phenomenon lies in the various nuclear forces and quantum tunneling.
  • #1
steve oliver
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0
what causes radioactive decay i mean i know throw decay could turn unstable to stable atom. But what cause it unstable?
 
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  • #3
Radioactive nuclei are created in their unstable state, either through radioactive decay of another unstable nucleus or in catastrophic astronomical events such as supernova explosions.

http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=272190.0

Closer to home, radioactive nuclei can be formed by nuclear reactions such as neutron capture or bombardment with very high energy particles such as electrons or protons.

Generally speaking, the nuclei are radioactive because the ratio of neutrons to protons is wrong, or because they are overweight. Some also come out of nuclear reactions in an excited state and loose energy in the form of gamma radiation.
 

1. What is radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, leading to the formation of a more stable nucleus. This process can occur naturally or artificially.

2. What causes radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is caused by the imbalance of energy in an atomic nucleus. This imbalance can occur due to the presence of too many or too few neutrons compared to protons in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable state, the nucleus releases energy in the form of radiation.

3. What types of radiation are emitted during radioactive decay?

The three most common types of radiation emitted during radioactive decay are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, beta particles are either electrons or positrons, and gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves.

4. How is the rate of radioactive decay measured?

The rate of radioactive decay is measured using a unit called half-life, which is the amount of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. The half-life varies for different radioactive elements and can range from fractions of a second to billions of years.

5. What are the practical applications of radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay has many practical applications, including in nuclear power generation, medical imaging and treatment, and carbon dating to determine the age of fossils and artifacts. It is also used in industrial processes such as sterilization and food preservation.

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