another scientific question.
2007-12-02 09:41:05 · 13 answers · asked by Clueless Person 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
A radioactive element is one that has a nucleus that naturally decays.
Reasons that a nucleus may decay are:
1. There are just too many particles (protons and neutrons). This is why many of the larger elements are radioactive.
2. The ratio of neutrons to protons is too high.
3. The ratio of neutrons to protons is too low.
Edit: In response to other posts -- radioactivity has absolutely nothing to do with electrons!
2007-12-02 09:45:43 · answer #1 · answered by brad p 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Which Elements Are Radioactive
2016-10-02 07:18:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it is to do with Ions, (no not irons, ions) they are and atom that has lost an electron.
An Ion is radioactive.
Thus the phrase Ionizing Radiation, meaning it can damage cells.
In the nucleus if the cell is starting to decay, this is when the element is unstable and because of the decaying it is radioactive. giving off a radioactive particle at random times (yes, one of the only times in science where something is random)
An no, unfortunately, though i would like to think so, they do not glow if they are radioactive, that is a myth. Strange though and rather cool if it was true.
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2007-12-02 09:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by Gymnast and Loving It 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
An element is radioactive when the nucleus is unstable . In larger atoms, more neutrons seem to be needed to keep the protons apart. In lighter weight atoms too many neutrons seem to be unstable.
2007-12-02 09:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An element is radioactive when its nucleus spontaneous decays into another because the binding energy per nucleon of the end product nucleus is more. The end product nucleus is more stable ( e.g. lead )and usually in the middle of the periodic table plus other products ( e.g. neutrons ).
2007-12-02 09:57:11 · answer #5 · answered by LucaPacioli1492 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when adding or subtracting nuetrons in an element that is what makes an element radioactive. Also it doesn't have to glow green, but it can be dangerous sometimes.
2007-12-02 09:51:56 · answer #6 · answered by cekicgrad2006 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the nucleus of an element's atom is unstable, say it has more protons than electrons, it emits radioactive energy in an effort to stabilize
2007-12-02 09:45:22 · answer #7 · answered by jmlrose18 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When the elements' nuclei are in a state of decay.
2007-12-02 09:48:01 · answer #8 · answered by Joe H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An element becomes radioactive if its isotope is lacking in electrons and therefore its outer energy level is unstable.
2007-12-02 09:43:57 · answer #9 · answered by firehawk905 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
element is a word that embraces everything and descriminates against nothing. everyone and everything is an element. that is why the company was created, as for what makes an element radioactive i do not know but i will find out because now im wondering myself.
2007-12-02 09:44:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋