The process that makes an unstable atom become stable is called?

The process that makes an unstable atom become stable is called?

• A. Ionization
• B. Fusion
• C. Radioactive decay
• D. Fission

Answer: (C)

Unstable nuclei become stable through radioactive decay, a spontaneous process where the nucleus changes by emitting particles or energy and moves to a lower-energy, more stable configuration. This can involve releasing an alpha particle, a beta particle, or gamma radiation, and the resulting daughter nucleus is typically more stable—though it may itself be radioactive and decay further. The idea is that stability comes from the nucleus adjusting its internal protons and neutrons and shedding excess energy, not from removing electrons (ionization) or from larger-scale reactions. Ionization changes the electron cloud, not the nucleus; fusion combines light nuclei, and fission splits heavy nuclei—neither describes the everyday path by which a single unstable nucleus becomes stable.

Unstable nuclei become stable through radioactive decay, a spontaneous process where the nucleus changes by emitting particles or energy and moves to a lower-energy, more stable configuration. This can involve releasing an alpha particle, a beta particle, or gamma radiation, and the resulting daughter nucleus is typically more stable—though it may itself be radioactive and decay further. The idea is that stability comes from the nucleus adjusting its internal protons and neutrons and shedding excess energy, not from removing electrons (ionization) or from larger-scale reactions. Ionization changes the electron cloud, not the nucleus; fusion combines light nuclei, and fission splits heavy nuclei—neither describes the everyday path by which a single unstable nucleus becomes stable.