A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Why do atoms go through radioactive decay?

Best Answers

Best Answer: Radioactive decay is the process where the nucleus of an atom changes into another type of nucleus and produces a particle at the same time. Nuclei which change like this are called radioactive or unstable. This change happens to the nucleus of an atom. read more

When a radioactive atom undergoes a nuclear decay event (the significant decay modes are alpha decay, beta decay, electron capture, and spontaneous fission), the decaying nucleus undergoes a transformation in identity associated with the change in the number of protons in the nucleus. read more

Silicon does exist in space near very active stars, supernovas,etc. in the form of isotopes that undergo radioactive decay. The longest lived silicon isotope (32) that will undergoradioactive decay, has a halflife of roughly 700 years and thuswill effectively completely decay to stable sulfur-32 in less than4000 years. read more

Encyclopedia Research

Wikipedia: