Nuclei

1. Nuclei Alpha Decay When an unstable atomic nucleus emits two protons and two neutrons the radioactive process is known as Alpha Decay. When a nucleus emits an alpha particle then its mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number is decreases by 2. Alpha decay can be expressed as : Here A = Mass number Z = Atomic number X = Parent nuclei Y = Daughter nuclei

2. Nuclei Alpha Decay An example of alpha decay is the spontaneous decay of Uranium 238 (atomic number 92, atomic mass 238) to Thorium-234 (atomic number 90, atomic mass 234).

3. Nuclei Beta Decay Beta decay is a phenomenon in which an unstable nucleus undergoes the decay process and become a nucleus with same mass number and different atomic number. It can be expressed as: Here A = Mass number Z = Atomic number X = Parent nuclei Y = Daughter nuclei e = electron. There are two types of beta decay, namely beta-minus and beta-plus.

4. Nuclei Beta Minus Decay During beta-minus decay, a neutron in an atom's nucleus turns into a proton, an electron and an antineutrino. An atom gains a proton during beta-minus decay, it changes from one element to another. For example, after undergoing beta-minus decay, an atom of carbon (with 6 protons) becomes an atom of nitrogen (with 7 protons).

5. Nuclei Beta Plus Decay During beta-plus decay, a proton in an atom's nucleus turns into a neutron, a positron and a neutrino. An atom loses a proton during beta-plus decay, it changes from one element to another. For example, after undergoing beta-plus decay, an atom of carbon (with 6 protons) becomes an atom of boron (with 5 protons).

6. Nuclei Gamma Decay Gamma Decay of Helium-3 Gamma decay occurs because the nucleus is at too high an energy. The nucleus falls down to a lower energy state and, in the process, emits a high energy photon known as a gamma particle.