Radioactive Decay

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What is radioactive decay?

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Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the atom into a different element or isotope.

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What is alpha decay?

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Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a decrease of the atomic number by 2.

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What is beta decay?

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Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron) and an antineutrino or neutrino.

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What is gamma decay?

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Gamma decay is the emission of high-energy electromagnetic waves (gamma rays) from a nucleus in an excited state, without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

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What is a gamma particle?

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A gamma particle is represented by the symbol 'γ' and consists of high-energy electromagnetic radiation.

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What is the strong nuclear force?

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The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, responsible for holding the protons and neutrons together in the atomic nucleus.

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What is the weak nuclear force?

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The weak nuclear force is responsible for processes like beta decay, where it governs the transformation of neutrons into protons.

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What is positron emission?

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Positron emission is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton is transformed into a neutron, emitting a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) and a neutrino.

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What is electron capture?

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Electron capture is a process in which an inner orbital electron is captured by the nucleus, leading to the conversion of a proton into a neutron.

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What happens during radioactive decay?

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During radioactive decay, an unstable nucleus loses energy and particles, transforming into a more stable configuration, often resulting in a different element.