What is gamma decay GCSE?
Gamma ray. After emitting an alpha or beta particle, the nucleus will often still be too ‘hot’ and will lose energy in a similar way to how a hot gas cools down. Gamma ray emission causes no change in the number of particles in the nucleus meaning both the atomic number and mass number remain the same.
What is beta decay GCSE?
Beta decay involves the conversion of a down quark to an up quark. This changes a neutron into a proton plus an electron.
What is alpha particle GCSE?
Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles. An alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom, which comprises two protons and two neutrons .
What is the importance of alpha beta and gamma decay?
Alpha, beta and gamma decay are a result of the three fundamental forces working in the nucleus – the ‘strong’ force, the ‘weak’ force and the ‘electromagnetic’ force. In all three cases, the emission of radiation increases the nucleus stability, by adjusting its proton/neutron ratio.
What is the alpha decay equation?
In alpha decay process, the parent isotope emits two protons and two neutrons (Z = 2 and A = 4), which is called an alpha particle (helium-4 nucleus) (Maher, 2004).
Where does alpha, beta and gamma radiation come from?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Nuclear radiation comes from the nucleus of an atom. Substances that give out radiation are said to be radioactive. There are three types of nuclear radiation: alpha. beta. gamma.
How is alpha decay described in nuclear equations?
Nuclear equations A nucleus changes into a new element by emitting alpha or beta particles. These changes are described using nuclear equations. Alpha decay (two protons and two neutrons) changes the mass number of the element by -4 and the atomic number by -2.
How does beta decay change the atomic number?
Beta decay changes the atomic number by +1 (the nucleus gains a proton) but the mass number remains unchanged (it gains a proton but loses a neutron by ejecting an electron, so a beta particle is an electron). Gamma is pure energy and will not change the structure of the nucleus in any way.
How does gamma rays cool down the nucleus?
Since energy levels in the nucleus are much higher than those in the gas, the nucleus will cool down by emitting a more energetic electromagnetic wave called a gamma ray. Gamma ray emission causes no change in the number of particles in the nucleus meaning both the atomic number and mass number remain the same.