Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. There are three types of radioactive decay: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.
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Alpha Decay: Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is essentially the nucleus of helium or a He2+ ion. Alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons. With the release of the alpha particle, the parent nucleus loses 4 atomic mass units, and the atomic number decreases by two.
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Beta Decay: Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which is a high-energy electron, from the parent nucleus. This electron comes from one of the nucleuss neutrons, and with the loss of this electron, the neutron converts into a proton. This increases the atomic number by one while the mass remains constant.
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Gamma Decay: Gamma decay is the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, from a nucleus. Gamma decay often occurs as a result of alpha or beta decay. When a nucleus gives off an alpha or beta particle, a gamma ray is also emitted. In gamma decay, the nuclei only change from their excited to ground state.
In summary, alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, and gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays.
