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.
Answer
A
Most elements are unstable.
B
Radioactive decay happens when one kind of atom becomes another kind.
C
Radioactive elements occur in nature.
D
All elements have the same rate of decay.
E
Carbon-14 decays into nitrogen-14.
Explanation
Radioactive decay changes an unstable atom’s nucleus, sometimes producing an atom of a different element. Radioactive elements occur naturally, and carbon-14 decays into nitrogen-14. The decay rate is not the same for every element; each radioactive isotope has its own half-life. Most elements are not classified as radioactive.
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