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An atom can be considered unstable in one of two ways. If it picks up or loses an electron, it becomes electrically charged and highly reactive. Such electrically charged atoms are known as ions. Instability can also occur in the nucleus when the number of protons and neutrons is unbalanced.Apr 28, 2018

What makes an atom unstable reactive?

When the atoms of an element have extra neutrons or protons it creates extra energy in the nucleus and causes the atom to become unbalanced or unstable.

What happens when atoms are unstable?

An unstable atom has excess internal energy, with the result that the nucleus can undergo a spontaneous change towards a more stable form. This is called 'radioactive decay'. Each element exists in the form of atoms with several different sized nuclei, called isotopes.

Why do atoms of elements react?

Atoms react with atoms of other elements to form compounds because , every atom wants to attain noble gas configuration . … Atoms interact with one another by transferring or sharing electrons that are furthest from the nucleus. These outer electrons govern the chemical properties of the element.

How does an unstable nucleus react?

In a nuclear decay reaction, also called radioactive decay, an unstable nucleus emits radiation and is transformed into the nucleus of one or more other elements. The resulting daughter nuclei have a lower mass and are lower in energy (more stable) than the parent nucleus that decayed.

What makes an atom stable vs unstable?

An atom is stable if the forces among the particles that makeup the nucleus are balanced. An atom is unstable (radioactive) if these forces are unbalanced; if the nucleus has an excess of internal energy.

How does an unstable atom gain stability?

Unstable systems gain stability by losing energy. Unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation in a spontaneous process called radioactive decay.

How does an unstable atom become stable?

The nucleus of this kind of atom is said to be stable. In some atoms the binding energy is not strong enough to hold the nucleus together, and the nuclei of these atoms are said to be unstable. Unstable atoms are also called radioactive actoms and they will lose neutrons and protons as they attempt to become stable.

Why do atoms need to be stable?

Atoms will react to get in the most stable state possible. A complete octet is very stable because all orbitals will be full. Atoms with greater stability have less energy, so a reaction that increases the stability of the atoms will release energy in the form of heat or light.

Why do atoms want to interact with one another?

An atom that gains or loses an electron to form an ion is more stable than a neutral atom if the ion gets a full electron shell by forming the ion. Because oppositely charged ions attract each other, these atoms will readily form chemical bonds with each other.