Alpha, Beta, and Gamma decay processes Alpha decay: - This is a decay process where an unstable nucleus spontaneously emits two particles: a helium-4 nuc...
Alpha decay:
This is a decay process where an unstable nucleus spontaneously emits two particles: a helium-4 nucleus and an electron.
These particles are typically emitted at relatively low energies and can escape detection.
Examples include the decay of uranium-235 into radon-221 and the decay of radium-226 into polonium-210.
Beta decay:
This is a decay process where an unstable nucleus spontaneously emits a particle.
The type of particle emitted depends on the mass of the nucleus.
Beta decay can be used to distinguish between different isotopes with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Examples include the decay of uranium-235 into thorium-231 and the decay of carbon-14 into nitrogen-14.
Gamma decay:
This is a decay process where an unstable nucleus spontaneously emits a high-energy photon.
Gamma decay is the most energetic type of decay and is responsible for the emission of X-rays and other forms of radiation.
Examples include the decay of radium-226 into radon-222 and the decay of cobalt-60 into nickel-60