How do decay chains lead to stable isotopes?

Decay chains lead to stable isotopes through a series of radioactive decays until a stable nucleus is reached.

A decay chain, also known as a radioactive series, is a sequence of radioactive nuclides which undergo a series of transformations or decays. These decays continue until a stable nuclide, or isotope, is formed. This process is a fundamental aspect of nuclear physics and is key to understanding the nature of radioactive substances.

The decay chain begins with a parent nuclide, which is an unstable isotope. This parent nuclide undergoes radioactive decay, transforming into a different nuclide, known as a daughter nuclide. This daughter nuclide may also be unstable, and if so, it will decay into another nuclide. This process continues, with each unstable nuclide decaying into another, until a stable nuclide is finally reached. This stable nuclide is the end product of the decay chain.

There are three main types of radioactive decay that can occur in a decay chain: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus. Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, or vice versa, with the emission of an electron or positron. Gamma decay involves the emission of a gamma ray, which is a high-energy photon.

Each type of decay transforms the nuclide in a different way, changing its atomic number, mass number, or energy state. These transformations bring the nuclide closer to a state of stability. The decay chain continues until a nuclide is reached that does not undergo any further decay. This is the stable isotope that is the end product of the decay chain.

In summary, decay chains lead to stable isotopes through a series of radioactive decays. Each decay transforms the nuclide, bringing it closer to a state of stability. The decay chain continues until a stable isotope is reached, which is the end product of the decay chain. This process is a fundamental aspect of nuclear physics and is key to understanding the nature of radioactive substances.