Types of 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 element into a different element or isotope.

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What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

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The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

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What are alpha particles?

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Alpha particles are positively charged particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during alpha decay.

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What are beta particles?

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Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during beta decay.

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What are gamma rays?

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Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during gamma decay, carrying no mass or charge.

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How can alpha particles be stopped?

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Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of human skin.

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How can beta particles be stopped?

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Beta particles can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic.

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How can gamma rays be stopped?

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Gamma rays can only be stopped by dense materials such as concrete or lead.

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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, resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Front

What is beta decay?

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Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron or positron) in the process.