unstable atom

Examples (10)

• An unstable atom will eventually decay, releasing energy in the process.
• Carbon-14 is a well-known example of an unstable atom used in radiometric dating.
• The nucleus of an unstable atom transforms into a more stable configuration by emitting radiation.
• Nuclear reactors harness the energy released from billions of unstable atoms splitting apart.
• Having too many or too few neutrons can make an atom unstable.
• Scientists predict how long it will take for this particular unstable atom to decay.
• If an atom is unstable, it is considered radioactive.
• The experiment focused on observing the decay chain that began with a single unstable atom.
• Each unstable atom has a characteristic half-life, which is the time it takes for half of a sample to decay.
• Detecting the particles emitted by an unstable atom requires sensitive equipment.