Radioactive decay occurs when
A) bacteria and other microscopic organisms digest nuclear particles.
B) a nucleus is struck and broken into pieces by a fast moving particle.
C) an atom loses one or more orbital electrons.
D) a nucleus emits a particle spontaneously
E) two or more nuclei fuse together.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves.

Radioactive Decay Occurs When