Why are the radioactive elements considered elements if they eventually decay into lead?

Question

If the definition of an element is a chemical substance that cannot be broken down into other substances, then aren’t the radioactive elements just extra-spicy lead?

In: 0

Answer 1

1. That’s not the definition of an element.
2. Radioactive elements don’t all decay into lead.

Basically, both premises of your question are false. Radioactive elements aren’t any different than other distinct elements. They have distinct chemical properties similar to stable elements. It’s only when they undergo radioactive decay and transmute into another element that their chemical properties change.