Answer:
The statements that are true about unstable isotopes are:
They are radioactive.
They have an imbalance between protons and neutrons.
They may decompose.
Step-by-step explanation:
An isotope is an atom that has the same number of protons as other atoms of the same element but a different number of neutrons. Some isotopes are stable, meaning they do not undergo any changes over time, while others are unstable or radioactive.
Unstable isotopes have an imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, which makes them unstable and prone to breaking apart or decomposing. This process is called radioactive decay, and it can result in the emission of alpha or beta particles, gamma radiation, or other forms of energy.
The instability of the nucleus is due to the strong nuclear force that holds the nucleus together, which is overcome by the electrostatic repulsion between the protons. As a result, unstable isotopes are constantly trying to reach a more stable state by releasing energy in the form of radiation.
Because unstable isotopes can decompose, they have a limited lifespan, and their half-lives can vary from fractions of a second to billions of years. This property of unstable isotopes makes them useful in many fields, including medicine, geology, and nuclear energy.