What does radioactive decay involve?

Radioactive decay involves changes in the nuclei of atoms. During this process, an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This transformation results in the conversion of one element into another or the change of the element into a different isotope. The fundamental nature of radioactive decay is rooted in the instability of certain isotopes, which seek to achieve a more stable configuration through these nuclear changes.

While changes to electron energy levels, chemical bonding, or physical states can occur in various chemical processes, they are not directly related to the process of radioactive decay, which fundamentally alters the atomic nucleus itself. Understanding this central aspect of nuclear chemistry helps clarify the distinct behavior of radioactive materials compared to stable substances.