Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Decay Flashcards
matter released by alpha decay
alpha particle
alpha particle consists of
2 protons and 2 neutrons
matter released by beta decay
beta particle
beta-minus particle consists of
1 electron
beta-plus particle consists of
1 positron
alpha decay results in an atom that is
2 lower than the original
beta-minus decay results in an atom that is
1 higher than the original
beta-plus decay results in an atom that is
1 lower than the original
matter released by gamma decay
none
gamma particle consists of
high energy photons
gamma decay results in an atom that is
the same element as the original
a positively charged electron
positron
a subatomic change from one type of element to another
transmutation
holds protons to each other in the nucleus of an atom
strong nuclear force
holds nucleons together internally
weak nuclear force
general name for a proton or neutron
nucleon
kind of force overcome in alpha decay
strong nuclear force
kind of force overcome in beta decay
weak nuclear force
causes electromagnetic radiation
movement of charged particles
alpha decay usually occurs in atoms
more than 83 protons
beta-minus decay usually occurs in atoms
when the p/n ratio is too low
beta-plus decay usually occurs in atoms
when the p/n ratio is too high
gamma decay usually occurs in atoms
immediately after alpha or beta decay
