The process in which a nucleus spontaneously breaks down by emitting radiation is known as
A) fusion.
B) fission.
C) a chain reaction.
D) reaction.
E) radioactive decay.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. A nucleus in radioactive decay might emit alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, spontaneously transforming into a different nucleus or state. Fusion involves combining nuclei, fission involves splitting a nucleus, and a chain reaction is a sequence of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to take place.

The Process in Which a Nucleus Spontaneously Breaks Down by Emitting