Which term describes a substance that contains unstable atoms that may emit radiation?

Which term describes a substance that contains unstable atoms that may emit radiation?

• A. Molecule
• B. Compound
• C. Radioactive material
• D. Isotope

Answer: (C)

Radioactivity is the property of certain atoms that are unstable and decay by emitting radiation. A substance that contains these unstable atoms and may emit radiation is called radioactive material. Molecule and compound describe how atoms bond and combine, but they don’t imply instability or radiation. An isotope is a variant of an element with a different number of neutrons, and while some isotopes are radioactive, not all are. Therefore, the term that best fits a substance containing unstable atoms that may emit radiation is radioactive material. For example, uranium ore or a vial containing a radioactive isotope are considered radioactive materials.

Radioactivity is the property of certain atoms that are unstable and decay by emitting radiation. A substance that contains these unstable atoms and may emit radiation is called radioactive material. Molecule and compound describe how atoms bond and combine, but they don’t imply instability or radiation. An isotope is a variant of an element with a different number of neutrons, and while some isotopes are radioactive, not all are. Therefore, the term that best fits a substance containing unstable atoms that may emit radiation is radioactive material. For example, uranium ore or a vial containing a radioactive isotope are considered radioactive materials.