Question

21. Why are radioactive nuclei unstable?

a. There is not the proper neutron to proton ratio resulting in a stable nucleus
b. There is too much energy stored in the bonds between atoms
C. They need to gain/lose electrons to have a full valence energy level
d. Protons reverse their charges and begin to repel one another

Answer 1

a. There is not the proper neutron to proton ratio resulting in a stable nucleus

Step-by-step explanation:

Radioactive nuclei are unstable because they do not have a proper neutron to proton ration that can result in a stable nucleus for them.

• Every atomic nucleus has specific neutron to proton ratio.
• The ratio ensures the stability of the nucleus.
• Any nucleus with a neutron/proton combination different from its stability ratio will be unstable and split into one or more other nuclei.
• This is usually with an attendant emission of small particles of matter and electromagnetic ionizing radiation and energy.