Differentiate between radioactive decay and nuclear fission.
1. Radioactive Decay:
- Definition: Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process in which an unstable atomic nucleus undergoes a change, resulting in the emission of radiation.
- Mechanism: It occurs when an atomic nucleus is unstable due to an imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The unstable nucleus transforms itself into a more stable configuration by emitting radiation.
- Energy Release: In radioactive decay, energy is released in the form of various types of...