What does radioactive decay primarily aim to accomplish?

Radioactive decay primarily occurs to stabilize unstable atomic nuclei. This process is a natural phenomenon where unstable isotopes release energy in the form of radiation as they transform into more stable configurations. The decay helps the nucleus achieve a more favorable balance of protons and neutrons, leading to a reduction in energy and an overall increase in stability.

For example, isotopes with excess protons or neutrons may undergo beta decay, alpha decay, or other forms of decay to reach a stable state. This stabilization process is crucial in understanding both the behavior of radioactive materials and their applications in fields such as medicine, energy, and archaeological dating.

While releasing energy in the form of radiation is indeed a byproduct of decay, the primary aim is achieving stability, which aligns with the correct answer. The notion of increasing radioactivity or converting matter into energy does not reflect the core purpose of radioactive decay, but rather describe different aspects or other phenomena in nuclear physics.