Alpha Decay A Helium- 4 nucleus (two protons and two neutrons). Is produced by nuclear fission...
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Transcript of Alpha Decay A Helium- 4 nucleus (two protons and two neutrons). Is produced by nuclear fission...
Radioactive Decay
Alpha Decay A Helium- 4 nucleus (two protons and two
neutrons). Is produced by nuclear fission Massive nucleus breaks apart into two less-
massive nuclei (one of them the alpha particle).
Has a positive chargeHas the mass of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
Beta DecayEmerges from a weak decay process.1 neutron inside an atom decays to produce a
proton and the beta electron. Has a negative charge.Changes the nuclear count of the atom.
1 neutron becomes a proton (electron is given off)
Gamma DecayIs a photon. Is produced when a massive nucleus
(produced by fission) relaxes from the excited state to its resting state.
No particles given off (only energy)No mass
Example of Radioactive Decay
Symbols
Alpha: αBeta: βGamma: γ
Electromagnetic Spectrum