Stable and Unstable Nuclei

The video explains how to determine if an atom is stable by examining its subatomic particles and the forces holding them together. It introduces radioactive decay, where unstable nuclei emit radiation to become stable. The video covers three types of decay: alpha, beta minus, and beta plus, detailing how each affects atomic and mass numbers. It also explains how to use a proton-neutron graph to predict decay types based on an isotope's position relative to the stability line. The video concludes with a recap of how unstable nuclei balance themselves through decay.

What determines if a nucleus is stable?

• The strong nuclear force holding protons and neutrons together

• The temperature of the environment

• The number of electrons orbiting the nucleus

• The presence of a magnetic field

What happens to an atom during alpha decay?

• It loses an electron

• Its atomic number increases by 1

• Its mass number decreases by 4 and atomic number by 2

• It gains two protons and two neutrons

In beta minus decay, what transformation occurs within the nucleus?

• An electron is converted into a positron

• A neutron changes into a proton and an electron

• A neutron is lost without any replacement

• A proton changes into a neutron

How does beta plus decay affect the atomic number of an element?

• The atomic number remains the same

• The atomic number decreases by 1

• The atomic number increases by 1

• The atomic number increases by 2

What does a radioisotope's position to the left of the stability line indicate?

• It is stable and will not decay

• It has too many neutrons and will undergo beta minus decay

• It has too many protons and will undergo alpha decay

• It will undergo beta plus decay