What does radioactive decay involve?

Radioactive decay specifically involves changes in the nuclei of atoms. During this process, an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, which may include alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This results in the transformation of one element into another or the conversion of the atom into a different isotope of the same element. The stability of the nucleus determines whether it will undergo radioactive decay, which fundamentally alters the atomic structure rather than affecting electron energy levels, chemical bonding, or physical state.

Understanding radioactive decay is crucial in fields such as nuclear chemistry and medicine, as it relates to the behavior of isotopes and the principles behind various applications, such as radioactive dating and medical imaging.