* Radioactive isotopes have unstable nuclei, meaning they have an excess of energy.
* To become stable, the nucleus releases energy in the form of particles and/or electromagnetic radiation.
* This process alters the composition of the nucleus, changing the number of protons, which defines the element.
Common types of radioactive decay:
* Alpha decay: The nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons). This reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, effectively changing the element.
* Beta decay: A neutron in the nucleus decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. This increases the atomic number by 1, transforming the element.
* Gamma decay: The nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. Gamma decay doesn't change the atomic number or mass number, but it stabilizes the nucleus after other types of decay.
Example:
Carbon-14 (C-14) is a radioactive isotope of carbon. It decays by beta emission, transforming into Nitrogen-14 (N-14):
```
C-14 -> N-14 + e- + anti-neutrino
```
In this process, a neutron in the C-14 nucleus decays into a proton, increasing the atomic number from 6 (carbon) to 7 (nitrogen).
Key takeaway: Radioactive decay is a fundamental process in nuclear physics that allows isotopes to transform into different elements. This process is essential for understanding the evolution of stars, the formation of elements, and the applications of nuclear technology.
