The nuclei of atoms become unstable when the repelling forces of the protons cannot be balanced by the number of neutrons in the nucleus. It then re-arranges itself randomly to a more stable configuration by emitting any of a series of particles. During radioactive decay, an atom does not collapse.
Since an atom is mostly empty space - that is it’s nucleus is relatively distant from the electron shells so, in the presence of extreme forces such as gravity inthe collapse of a large star, the inward pressures on the atom overcome the natural balance of the atomic structure and the ‘empty space’ disappears as nuclei are mashed together by the intense pressures and a neutron star is formed. Under even more external pressure, even the neutron star can collapse to form a black hole.
The distinguishing characteristics of comets, meteors, and asteroids are its composition.
<h3>What are the characteristics of comets, meteors and asteroids?</h3>
Asteroids are the fragments of rock that were left over from the creation of the solar system, Meteors are the rocks that enter the atmosphere of the Earth from space while on the other hand, Comets are the remnants of the formation of the solar system that are made of dust, rocks, and ice. All these materials i.e. comets, meteors and asteroids are different from one another due to its structure and chemical composition.
So we can conclude that the distinguishing characteristics of comets, meteors, and asteroids are its composition.
Learn more about asteroids here: brainly.com/question/11996385
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