Chemical Decay Flashcards
1
Q
What is alpha decay?
A
The loss of an alpha particle (helium nucleus: ⁴₂α)
e.g. ²³⁹₉₂U —> ²³⁵₉₀Th + ⁴₂α
2
Q
Wat is beta decay?
A
The loss of a beta particle (negative charge with no mass: ⁰₋₁β)
e.g. ³⁰₁₆S —> ³⁰₁₇Cl + ⁰₋₁β
3
Q
What is gamma decay?
A
The loss of a gamma particle (radiation and energy: γ)
e.g. ²³⁵₉₀Th∙ —> ²³⁵₉₀Th + γ
