Describe the process of alpha decay.

An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (24He^4_2He). The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.

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Describe the process of alpha decay.

An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (24He^4_2He). The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.

Describe the process of beta-minus decay.

A neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, emitting an electron (ee^-) and an antineutrino (vˉ\bar{v}). The atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Describe the process of beta-plus decay.

A proton in the nucleus transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron (e+e^+) and a neutrino (vv). The atomic number decreases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Describe the process of gamma decay.

An excited nucleus releases energy by emitting a gamma ray photon (γ\gamma). The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

What happens to a neutron during beta-minus decay?

The neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino.

What happens to a proton during beta-plus decay?

The proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino.

What is radioactive decay?

The process where unstable atomic nuclei release energy and particles to become more stable.

What is an alpha particle?

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus (mathrmHe2+mathrm{He}^{2+}).

What is a neutrino?

An electrically neutral particle with nearly zero mass, emitted in beta-plus decay.

What is a positron?

A particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge, also known as an antielectron (e+e^{+} or β+\beta^{+}).

What is an antineutrino?

An electrically neutral particle with nearly zero mass, emitted in beta-minus decay.

What is a gamma ray?

A high-energy photon emitted by an excited nucleus during gamma decay (gammagamma).

What is alpha decay?

A nucleus emits an alpha particle (24He^4_2He), decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

What is beta-minus decay?

A neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron (ee^-) and an antineutrino (vˉ\bar{v}), increasing the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is beta-plus decay?

A proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron (e+e^+) and a neutrino (vv), decreasing the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is gamma decay?

An excited nucleus releases energy by emitting a gamma ray photon (γ\gamma). The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

Define alpha particle.

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus (He2+He^{2+}).

Define neutrino.

An electrically neutral particle with nearly zero mass, emitted in beta-plus decay.