Question

What causes nuclear decay?

Answer 1

Hint: In the question, we are asked to explain what a nuclear decay is. You could first give a complete but brief explanation of this concept. Then, you could add some points on the important parameters related to it and also some examples should be mentioned.

Complete step-by-step answer:
In the question, we are asked to give a brief explanation about nuclear decay.
Any process by virtue of which an unstable atomic nucleus is observed to lose energy by radiation is termed as nuclear decay. Radioactive decay, radioactivity, nuclear/radioactive disintegration are other terms given for this process. A material is categorized as radioactive when it contains unstable nuclei. Alpha decay, beta decay and gamma decay are three common types of nuclear decay. Beta decay is governed by weak force and alpha and gamma decay are governed by electromagnetic and strong force.
At single atom level, nuclear decay is considered as a stochastic process. Quantum theory says that it is not possible to determine when a given atom would decay. Parent radionuclide is the decaying nucleus that produces a minimum of one daughter nuclide. Decay constant and half life are the two important parameters in this concept.

Note: One should be aware of this fact that not every radioactive decay process results in nuclear transmutation. For example, in gamma decay energy of the excited nucleus is given off as gamma ray or sometimes they interact with orbital electrons. This interaction is termed as internal conversion and this also results in ejection from the atom.