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Chapter 16: Problem 2

What do we call atoms in which the nuclei undergo spontaneous change?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Atoms with nuclei that undergo spontaneous change are called radioactive atoms or radioisotopes.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Spontaneous Change

A spontaneous change, in the context of atomic nuclei, refers to the process where the nucleus undergoes a transformation without any external influence, like radiation or collision with other particles. The change occurs naturally and results in the emission of particles or energy from the nucleus.
02

Process of Spontaneous Change

The process of spontaneous change that atomic nuclei undergo is called radioactive decay. In radioactive decay, an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This decay process transforms the nucleus into a different atom or another state of the same atom.
03

Name of Atoms with Spontaneous Change

Atoms that have nuclei that undergo spontaneous change (i.e., radioactive decay) are called radioactive atoms or radioisotopes. Hence, the answer to the given exercise is that atoms with nuclei that undergo spontaneous change are called radioactive atoms or radioisotopes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Complete this fusion reaction: \({ }_{4}^{8} \mathrm{Be}+{ }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} \rightarrow ?+\gamma\)

In an \(\mathrm{n} / \mathrm{p}\) plot, the band of stability curves up above the \(\mathrm{n} / \mathrm{p}=1\) line. Explain why.

Complete this nuclear reaction, and name the decay process: \({ }_{20}^{47} \mathrm{Ca} \rightarrow ?+{ }_{21}^{47} \mathrm{Sc}\)

What do we mean when we say that an atom has a mass defect?

Why are such high temperatures needed to initiate nuclear fusion?
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