Why would an atom become radio active?

Why would an atom become radio active?
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1 Answer

Answer :

Atoms of an element do not become radioactive, they areradioactive. This is because their nuclei are unstable.The nucleus of an atom contains protons and these are positivelycharged electrically. When you squeeze a lot of bodies with thesame charge tightly together the charges repel one another stronglyand the nucleus wants to (and does) fly apart. This is the driverfor radioactivity.To enable the large atomic nuclei of the heavier elements toexist, you must space out the protons in the nucleus with neutralparticles called neutrons. The presence of the neutrons and howmany of them there are help stabilise atomic nuclei and slows downthe rate of radioactive decay in certain configurations ofpacking.
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Related questions

Why would an atom become radio active?

Description : Why would an atom become radio active?

Last Answer : Atoms of an element do not become radioactive, they areradioactive. This is because their nuclei are unstable.The nucleus of an atom contains protons and these are positivelycharged ... stabilise atomic nuclei and slows downthe rate of radioactive decay in certain configurations ofpacking.

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Description : (3) two light nuclei combine to form a heavy nucleus Explanation: Nuclear fusion is the process of making a single heavy nucleus (part of an atom) from two lighter nuclei. The difference in mass ... . Fusion is the process that powers active or "main sequence" stars, or other high magnitude stars.

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