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Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.

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Q: What is the best definition of radioactive decay?
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Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is an unstable nucleus that starts a decay process called?

A nucleus that starts to decay is called a radioactive nucleus or atom. It decays with a known and unique half life by several processes including but not limited to beta decay, alpha decay, electron capture decay, and positron emission.


What term indicates the process in which unstable nuclide release radiation?

If it is related to Nuclear studies, then the answer would be fusion.


Radioactive decay do not involve electrons?

That statement is not entirely accurate. Radioactive decay can involve the emission of alpha particles, beta particles (electrons or positrons), and gamma rays. Electrons can be involved in certain types of radioactive decay processes.


Is this true radioactivity and radioactive decay are two distinct phenomena?

No, radioactivity and radioactive decay are closely related phenomena. Radioactivity refers to the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus emits radiation, while radioactive decay is the specific process by which an unstable nucleus transforms into a stable nucleus by emitting radiation.


How can coin- tossing simulate radioactive decay?

Coin-tossing can simulate radioactive decay by assigning a probability of heads or tails to represent decay or stability of a radioactive nucleus. Consistent with the decay probability of a radioactive substance, you can randomly flip the coin to determine decay events over time. Over multiple throws, you can track the number of heads to emulate the decay rate of a radioactive substance.