Nuclear Instability and Stability

Question 1

Nuclear Composition and Type of Decay

Answer 1

An imbalance between strong nuclear force and electromagnetic force can cause the nucleus to become unstable.

Question 2

Nucleus Composition and Type of Decay

Answer 2

• Beta positive decay occurs when a nucleus has “too few” neutrons
• Beta negative decay occurs when a nucleus has “too many” neutrons
• Alpha decay occurs in large nuclei (with lots of protons and neutrons)
• Stable atoms are in the sweet spot, and do not occur for atoms with protons greater than 82 (lead)
• Gamma generally occurs after an alpha or beta decay

Question 3

Decay Series

Answer 3

When an isotope decays, the result of the decay can be another unstable isotope. This means the new isotope will decay again and son on. This is called a decay series.