What Makes an Isotope Radioactive

Question

What makes an isotope radioactive?
A)It has more protons than electrons.
B)It releases energy to become stable.
C)It releases hydrogen ions into solution.
D)It breaks down into hydrogen and electrons.

Accepted Answer

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. When an isotope has an unstable nucleus, it can release energy and particles in order to become more stable. This process is known as radioactive decay, and it is what makes the isotope radioactive.