Instability of radioisotopes is caused by
A) sudden temperature variations.
B) environmental humidity.
C) the random motion of atoms.
D) the disintegration of a neutron into a proton and an electron.
E) the motion of electrons and neutrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioisotopes are unstable because they have an excess amount of either protons or neutrons, leading to an imbalance in the nucleus. In order to achieve stability, these isotopes undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or radiation, including the disintegration of a neutron into a proton and an electron.

Instability of Radioisotopes Is Caused by