Please help with this chem problem?

Question

The emission of a particle of light rays from the nucleus of an unstable isotope is called:

A) nucleation

B) nuclear decay

C) fission

D) fusion

E) beta

Please explain your answer so that I can try to understand this rather than just get an answer. Thank you!

Answer 1

B.

Nuclear decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This decay, or loss of energy, results in an atom of one type, called the parent nuclide transforming to an atom of a different type, called the daughter nuclide. For example: a carbon-14 atom (the "parent") emits radiation and transforms to a nitrogen-14 atom (the "daughter"). This is a random process on the atomic level, in that it is impossible to predict when a given atom will decay, but given a large number of similar atoms, the decay rate, on average, is predictable.

Nucleation:A process where something comes into being by growing outward from a disturbance at its center.

Fission:The splitting of an atom into at least two other atoms and the release of a relatively large amount of energy. Two or three neutrons are usually released during this type of transformation.

Fusion:The combining of two nuclei to form a heavier one. Fusion of the isotopesof light elements such as hydrogen or lithium gives a large relsease of energy.

Beta: A negatively charged particle that is emitted by certain radioactive atoms. A beta particle is identical to the electron.