Chapter 13, Problem 1AC

To determine

Natural radioactivity is a result of which of the following actions:

adjustments to balance nuclear attractions and repulsions.

experiments with human-made elements.

absorption of any type of radiation by very heavy elements.

a mass defect of the nucleus.

Answer to Problem 1AC

Solution:

Option (a) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Radioactivity refers to the disintegration or the breaking of the unstable nucleus of heavier elements. Natural radioactivity means that an element without any interference of a foreign energy breaks and converts into different elements.

Explanation:

Reason for correct option:

As the nuclei become heavier, generally more unstable, the number of protons and neutrons increases the size of the atom. It increases to such an extent that the strong nuclear force cannot bear the force of repulsions of the protons and the nucleus breaks.

This phenomenon is known as radioactivity, which is necessary to stabilize the nuclei of the heavier elements to adjust the nuclear attractions and repulsions.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Reason for incorrect options:

Natural radioactive decay happens in all elements with atomic number greater than 83, wherein there are various natural occurring elements in which radioactive decay occurs.

Hence, option (b) is incorrect.

Without any radiationabsorption, the elements also undergo radioactive decay.

Hence, option (c) is incorrect.

Radioactive decay is not a mass defect of the nucleus as elements with a perfect mass number also decays.

Hence, option (d) is incorrect.

Conclusion:

The natural radioactivity is the adjustment to balance out the nuclear attractions and repulsions in heavier nucleus elements.