Radioactivity

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The ability of an unstable nucleus to emit radiation

Real World Example

Imagine you're holding a balloon filled with too much air, and it's about to pop. This is similar to how an unstable atomic nucleus feels — it has too much energy or is too crowded with particles and needs to release some of it. Just as the balloon releases air to avoid bursting, an unstable nucleus emits radiation to shed excess energy or particles, stabilizing itself in the process.

Practice Version

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