How can you tell if an atom is unstable or stable?

Question

dtan5457 · Answer

To keep it a simple...a radioactive atom will be unstable because it was a overload of internal energy

anonymous · Answer

ok thank you! but the question shows a model it has 2 rings around the nucleus with 8 dots on the outer ring and 2 on the inner. I don't know how to figure out if it is unstable or stable?

anonymous · Answer

Unstable atoms will lose neutrons and protons as they attempt to become stable.

anonymous · Answer

the binding energy is great enough to hold the nucleus together. The nucleus of this kind of atom is said to be stable

dtan5457 · Answer

If the atom has a 2-8 electron configuration which is what your picture is saying...then it's stable.

dtan5457 · Answer

it has completed electron shells

anonymous · Answer

ok thank you so much!

anonymous · Answer

Oh sorry I have another question! would it belong to group 10 or 18? i think ten but im not sure?

dtan5457 · Answer

Group 18 (noble gases)...they all have 8 valance electrons on their last shell

anonymous · Answer

ohh wow im not good at this subject. Thank you so much I understand now... kind of haha

dtan5457 · Answer

No problem, feel free to fan and tag me into more questions

anonymous · Answer

yeah i became your fan and i will