Question

which statements about radioactive decay are true? check all that apply. most elements are unstable. radioactive decay happens when one kind of atom becomes another kind. radioactive elements occur in nature. all elements have the same rate of decay. carbon - 14 decays into nitrogen - 14.

Explanation:

• Most elements are stable, not unstable. So "Most elements are unstable" is false.
• Radioactive decay involves a transformation of one atom type to another (e.g., through alpha, beta, or gamma decay processes). So "Radioactive decay happens when one kind of atom becomes another kind" is true.
• There are naturally - occurring radioactive elements like uranium, thorium. So "Radioactive elements occur in nature" is true.
• Different elements have different half - lives (rate of decay). So "All elements have the same rate of decay" is false.
• The radioactive decay of carbon - 14 is \(^{14}_{6}C

ightarrow^{14}_{7}N + e^{-}\). So "Carbon - 14 decays into nitrogen - 14" is true.

Answer:

• Radioactive decay happens when one kind of atom becomes another kind.
• Radioactive elements occur in nature.
• Carbon - 14 decays into nitrogen - 14.