Question

A situation in which the nuclei in an isotope releases particles or radiant energy, or both, until the nuclei become stable

Answer 1

Radioactive decay is a process in which nuclei release particles or radiant energy until they become stable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Radioactive decay is a process in which the nuclei in an isotope release particles or radiant energy, or both, until the nuclei become stable. This process is also known as radioactivity. It can occur through various types of decay, such as alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. For example, in alpha decay, an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus, while in beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, electron, and neutrino. Gamma decay occurs when a nucleus in an excited state moves to a more stable state, resulting in the release of a photon.

Answer 2

Nuclear decay refers to a situation in which the nuclei of an isotope release particles or radiant energy, or both, until the nuclei become stable.

Step-by-step explanation:

In nuclear decay, unstable isotopes undergo a process to achieve a more balanced and stable state. This process can involve the release of particles or radiant energy. One common type of nuclear decay is alpha decay, where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. The resulting nucleus has reduced atomic and mass numbers, moving towards a more stable configuration.

Another form of nuclear decay is beta decay, which involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton or vice versa. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, releasing a beta-minus particle (an electron) and an antineutrino. This process increases the atomic number while maintaining the mass number, bringing the nucleus closer to stability.

Overall, nuclear decay mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of atomic nuclei. The release of particles or energy is a manifestation of the effort of the unstable nucleus to reach a more balanced state, adhering to the principles of conservation of energy and mass. These processes are fundamental to understanding the behavior of isotopes and are central to various applications in nuclear physics and technology.