Radioactivity refers to which process?

Radioactivity refers to which process?

• A. The spontaneous transformation of a stable atom.
• B. The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atom that often results in emission of radiation.
• C. A chemical reaction between isotopes.
• D. The fusion of nuclei to form heavier elements.

Answer: (B)

Radioactivity is the spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus, often accompanied by emission of radiation such as alpha or beta particles and gamma rays. This describes why certain isotopes naturally decay over time to reach a more stable state, releasing energy as radiation in the process. Stable atoms do not undergo this spontaneous decay, and chemical reactions involve changes in electrons rather than the nucleus, so they aren’t radioactivity. Fusion of nuclei is a different kind of nuclear reaction that builds heavier elements and isn’t about the spontaneous decay of an unstable nucleus.

Radioactivity is the spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus, often accompanied by emission of radiation such as alpha or beta particles and gamma rays. This describes why certain isotopes naturally decay over time to reach a more stable state, releasing energy as radiation in the process. Stable atoms do not undergo this spontaneous decay, and chemical reactions involve changes in electrons rather than the nucleus, so they aren’t radioactivity. Fusion of nuclei is a different kind of nuclear reaction that builds heavier elements and isn’t about the spontaneous decay of an unstable nucleus.