Question

Which characteristic of some isotopes causes them to be radioactive?

A) Excess neutrons
B) Excess electrons
C) Excess protons
D) Excess photons

What would have to happen in the nucleus of these isotopes for them to become stable?

A) Gain more protons
B) Lose excess neutrons
C) Lose excess electrons
D) Absorb gamma rays

Answer 1

Radioactive isotopes typically have excess neutrons and attain stability by losing these excess neutrons through radioactive decay processes, which include alpha, beta, and gamma decay.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic of some isotopes that causes them to be radioactive is A) Excess neutrons. For these isotopes to become stable, an adjustment in the neutron-to-proton ratio is typically required. This can mean the isotopes must B) Lose excess neutrons through a process called radioactive decay. Radioactive isotopes achieve stability by emitting particles or energy through various decay modes, such as alpha, beta, and gamma decay, effecting a transformation into more stable atoms.