Radioactive decay in an atom occurs because:
A)the atom has more protons than electrons.
B)the atom has more protons than neutrons.
C)the nucleus contains a mix of neutrons and protons, which is not stable.
D)the nucleus, originally stable, has been made unstable by exposure to the nuclear reactions in a nearby star.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive decay occurs because the nucleus contains a mix of neutrons and protons, which is not stable. This instability leads to the emission of particles or radiation in order to achieve a more stable configuration.

Radioactive Decay in an Atom Occurs Because