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Explain why radiation is released from unstable atoms.

Radiation is released from unstable atoms as the atom tries to make itself stable. An atom is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. Since like charges repel each other, protons repel each other. However, these are held together in the nucleus by the strong forces. The net force in the atom due to strong forces and the repulsive forces is known as the binding energy. If the binding energy is high enough to hold the nucleus, the atom is called a stable atom. If the binding energy is not strong enough, we end up with an unstable atom. 


The unstable atom tries to stabilize itself by giving off energy or matter. This phenomenon is known as radioactivity. The unstable atom may give out alpha, beta or gamma particles and thus stabilize itself.


Hope this helps. 

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