1. A radioactive element is different from a stable element in that it has an unstable nucleus that decays spontaneously, emitting radiation in the process. This is due to an excess of either neutrons or protons which causes an imbalance in the atom's nucleus. On the other hand, a stable element has a balanced nucleus that does not decay or emit radiation.

2. A radioactive element's half-life tells you the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of that element to decay. It is a measure of the rate at which the element decays. The longer the half-life, the slower the rate of decay.

3. For a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 2 years, the number of atoms remaining in the sample decreases by half every 2 years. So, the table would look like this:

- Time elapsed (years): 0, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 1000
- Time elapsed (years): 2, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 500
- Time elapsed (years): 4, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 250
- Time elapsed (years): 6, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 125
- Time elapsed (years): 8, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 62.5
- Time elapsed (years): 10, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 31.25

Please note that the number of atoms is usually a whole number, but for the purpose of this explanation, we have used decimal numbers.

Question

1. A radioactive element is different from a stable element in that it has an unstable nucleus that decays spontaneously, emitting radiation in the process. This is due to an excess of either neutrons or protons which causes an imbalance in the atom's nucleus. On the other hand, a stable element has a balanced nucleus that does not decay or emit radiation.

2. A radioactive element's half-life tells you the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of that element to decay. It is a measure of the rate at which the element decays. The longer the half-life, the slower the rate of decay.

3. For a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 2 years, the number of atoms remaining in the sample decreases by half every 2 years. So, the table would look like this:

- Time elapsed (years): 0, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 1000
- Time elapsed (years): 2, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 500
- Time elapsed (years): 4, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 250
- Time elapsed (years): 6, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 125
- Time elapsed (years): 8, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 62.5
- Time elapsed (years): 10, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 31.25

Please note that the number of atoms is usually a whole number, but for the purpose of this explanation, we have used decimal numbers.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer

1. A radioactive element is different from a stable element in that it has an unstable nucleus that decays spontaneously, emitting radiation in the process. This is due to an excess of either neutrons or protons which causes an imbalance in the atom's nucleus. On the other hand, a stable element has a balanced nucleus that does not decay or emit radiation.

2. A radioactive element's half-life tells you the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of that element to decay. It is a measure of the rate at which the element decays. The longer the half-life, the slower the rate of decay.

3. For a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 2 years, the number of atoms remaining in the sample decreases by half every 2 years. So, the table would look like this:

- Time elapsed (years): 0, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 1000
- Time elapsed (years): 2, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 500
- Time elapsed (years): 4, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 250
- Time elapsed (years): 6, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 125
- Time elapsed (years): 8, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 62.5
- Time elapsed (years): 10, Number of radioactive atoms remaining: 31.25

Please note that the number of atoms is usually a whole number, but for the purpose of this explanation, we have used decimal numbers.

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