Question on Radioactivity- What does it mean about “Unstable atomic nuclei?”?
1. Decomposes = falls apart. That’s a pretty accurate description of the process. Some nuclei have a configuration of protons and neutrons that is not stable; it is like a badly constructed building; there is a probability that it will just fall apart. Protons and neutrons do plenty, by the way! 2. Sometimes it is electrons (electrons released by radioactive decay are called beta particles), but it can be other particles as well – alpha particles (helium nuclei), neutrons, positrons, etc. There’s usually a photon released as well (also known as a gamma ray or particle). The exact mix of particles depends on the isotope. 3. See 1.
