What does the process of radioactive decay entail?

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This process transforms the nucleus into a different element or a lower energy state. The resulting atom is called a daughter isotope.

There are several types of radioactive decay processes, including: 1. Alpha decay: The nucleus releases an alpha particle (a helium-4 nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons), transforming the atom into a different element with a mass number 4 less and atomic number 2 less than the original atom. 2. Beta-minus decay: A neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, and an electron (called a beta particle) is emitted. The resulting atom has an increased atomic number by 1. 3. Beta-plus decay: A proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, and a positron (the electron's antiparticle) is emitted. The resulting atom has a decreased atomic number by 1. 4. Gamma decay: The nucleus loses energy by emitting a high-energy photon in the form of gamma radiation. This process doesn't change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus but often results in a more stable energy state.

Let's examine the process of alpha decay as an example: 1. An unstable nucleus, such as uranium-238 (with 92 protons and 146 neutrons) reaches a point where it can no longer contain the internal forces. 2. To become more stable, the nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. 3. The remaining nucleus has 90 protons and 144 neutrons, forming a thorium-234 atom. 4. In this process, the original atom (uranium-238) decays to a more stable atom (thorium-234) by releasing an alpha particle. By understanding this example, one can apply the general concept to other types of radioactive decay, where the nucleus seeks to become more stable by emitting particles or energy in the form of radiation.