What are atoms with unstable nuclei are considered to be?
destructive
ions
unstable
radioactive
Atoms with unstable nuclei are radioactive. To become more stable, the nuclei undergo radioactive decay. In radioactive decay, the nuclei emit energy and usually particles of matter as well. There are several types of radioactive decay, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay. Energy is emitted in all three types of decay, but only alpha and beta decay also emit particles.