instability articles
What is the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable atomic nucleus known as?
What particles constitute the nucleus and are collectively referred to as nucleons?
Which powerful, short-range attractive force binds protons and neutrons together against electrostatic repulsion?
What approximate ratio of neutrons to protons is typically required for stability in lighter atomic nuclei?
Why do heavier stable nuclei require a higher ratio of neutrons to protons?
What process defines the shedding of excess internal energy when an unstable nucleus seeks a lower energy state?
In the case of a neutron-rich nucleus, what conversion allows it to lower its neutron count and achieve stability?
What happens to a nucleus during pure gamma emission?
What characterizes the time parameter $T_{1/2}$ in radioactive samples?
What physical principle explains the substantial energy released when a nucleus transitions to a lower energy configuration?
What mechanism do very heavy, large nuclei typically use to reduce their size and mass?
What is the defining characteristic that makes radioactive decay unpredictable at the level of an individual atom?
What two opposing forces define a star's hydrostatic equilibrium?
What event signals the definitive end of a star's main-sequence life?
What happens immediately after the core hydrogen fuel is spent?
How does hydrogen shell burning generally affect a star's energy output?
What change characterizes a star transforming into a Red Giant?
What mechanism supports the remnant core of a Sun-like star after it forms a white dwarf?
What is the final fusion product achieved in the core of a very massive star before terminal instability?
Why does the formation of an iron core lead to instantaneous energy loss?
What is the result if the remnant core mass after collapse exceeds the neutron star limit?