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Radioactive elements, such as uranium and thorium, have the ability to spontaneously and continuously decay by emitting radiation. This decay process results in the transformation of the original element into a different element or isotope.
When an isotope is stable, it does not undergo radioactive decay. Stable isotopes have a balanced number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, which prevents them from spontaneously changing into another element over time.
The process in which one isotope changes to another isotope is called radioactive decay. During this process, the unstable nucleus of an isotope emits radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays to transform into a more stable isotope. The rate at which radioactive decay occurs is measured by the isotope's half-life.
Beta particles have a negative charge, while alpha particles have a positive charge. Beta particles are electrons or positrons, while alpha particles are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
A radioactive nucleus spontaneously emits energy and particles in a process called radioactive decay. This decay can result in the release of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or a combination of these forms of radiation.