Which of the following is the best definition of radioactive decay? a. radioactive decay is the release of energy resulting from a chemical reaction. b. radioactive decay is the loss of mass that occurs when an atom is formed. c. radioactive decay is the splitting of a nucleus to produce huge amounts of energy. d. radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.

Answer : The correct option is, (D) Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.

Explanation :

Radioactive decay : It is a process in which a less stable nuclei spontaneously breakdown or decomposes into a stable nuclei. During this process some amount of radiations or particles like alpha, beta particles or gamma-radiations are released.

Hence, the correct option is, (D) Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus into smaller parts.

vanderwaal's forces of attraction are the electrostatic intermolecular forces that exist in a molecule due to the temporary or permanent dipoles that are developed in a molecule. in , the major intermolecular forces are dipole-dipole interactions as the molecule is polar (bent structure). so the vanderwaal's forces of interaction in between molecules are the permanent dipole-dipole interactions that develop due to the dipole that exists in between the polar h - s bond. the positively charged hydrogen atom is attracted towards the negative end of the dipole that is sulfur of the adjacent molecule. therefore, these forces of attraction are relatively stronger than that of london dispersion forces that exist in non polar molecules.