2007-11-01 07:16:08 · 5 answers · asked by Sarah. 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Duh' because its atomic structure is unstable.
2007-11-01 07:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by Barney Ard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For an element to be stable, its neutron to proton ratio should be within the stability range. Such stability range graphs have been found and plotted with neutron/proton ratio vs. number of protons.
If for any element, corresponding to the number of protons in it, the ratio of neutron to proton does not lie within the stability range, then that element will not be stable and will be radioactive. It will break up into smaller elements giving out α and β particles as may be necessary to bring the neutron to proton ratio within the stability range and this process of breaking up into smaller pieces continues till the final products are non-radioactive.
2007-11-01 07:48:38 · answer #2 · answered by Madhukar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...Radioactive elements have a nucleus with combinations of protons and neutrons that are not stable. They become stable in a number of different ways, all of which change the structure of the nucleus.
2007-11-01 07:24:19 · answer #3 · answered by hcbiochem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd just like to add one thing to the above answer concerning alpha (α) and beta (β) particles, which is that of gamma rays.
Following an alpha decay, the nucleus/atom is usually more energetic than it likes to be. It emits an electromagnetic wave (or beam of photons) to return to a more energetically viable state. This emission is a gamma (γ) ray.
2007-11-02 03:49:27 · answer #4 · answered by Alex B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coz their atomic number is higher than ordinary elements and inorder to get stablize it emits radioactive rays. so they are called as radioactive elements
2007-11-01 07:35:40 · answer #5 · answered by charming 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋