Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?(1 point)ResponsesThe resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The correct answer is "The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original."
To understand why, let's break down the process of radioactive decay. Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable nucleus undergoes a transformation to become more stable. During this process, the nucleus emits radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.
When an unstable nucleus decays, it transmutes into a different nucleus. This means that the resulting nucleus can have a different number of protons, hence a different element, compared to the original nucleus. This is commonly observed in the phenomenon of radioactive isotopes, where an unstable isotope of one element transforms into a more stable isotope of a different element.
Furthermore, the resulting nucleus from radioactive decay is typically less stable than the original nucleus. This is because the decay process occurs to balance the forces within the nucleus. Unstable nuclei have an excess of protons or neutrons, which leads to an imbalance in the nuclear forces. Radioactive decay acts to restore this balance, making the resulting nucleus more stable.
In summary, radioactive decay leads to the formation of a less stable nucleus, which can be of a different element than the original nucleus.