Why are some atoms radioactive

Radioactive atoms are prone to splitting, actually the center of the atom, and releasing the particles around them.

At the center of an atom is a nucleus composed of protons and neutrons. Outside the nucleus are electrons moving around the nucleus. Protons are positively charged, neutrons are uncharged, so the nucleus is positively charged. Electrons are negatively charged, and the attraction between them and the protons in the nucleus causes them to move around the nucleus. Since like charges repel each other, there are repulsive forces between protons in the nucleus. Some small atoms have only a few protons inside, and the repulsive force has no obvious effect. But the nuclei of some large atoms are less stable. Uranium-238, for example, has 92 protons in its nucleus, which sometimes cause the nucleus to split open, emitting particles inside. These atoms are radioactive.

A radioactive atom emits its central particles around it, and a new nucleus is formed. The newly formed nucleus is called a progeny, and if the progeny is still unstable because the number of protons is still high, the fission reaction will continue until a stable progeny is formed.

There are three main types of radiation emitted by radioactive atoms: alpha, beta, and gamma rays.

Alpha rays are composed of alpha particles, each of which is composed of two protons and two neutrons. Compared with other ray particles, it's too big to fit through a piece of paper. But human skin can burn from prolonged exposure to alpha rays.

Beta rays are produced when a neutron in an atomic nucleus changes into a proton and an electron. Protons stay in the nucleus and electrons are ejected from the nucleus. Beta particles, which are 1/7,000 the size of alpha particles, are much more destructive and can pass easily through paper, but not wood.

The gamma particles of gamma rays are high-energy photons, similar to X-rays. Only concrete walls or slabs of lead thick enough to hold it back. Gamma rays can travel through the entire body and kill any cell they visit.

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