Discuss with the use of examples the main differences between alpha and beta decay?

Answer 1

In alpha decay, an alpha particle (a helium nucleus - 2p+ and 2n0) is emitted from the nucleus of an atom. In beta decay, a neutron turns into a proton and an electron, and the electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus of the atom.

Answer 2

Alpha decay is where two protons and two neutrons are emitted from the nucleus. The way in which this is worked out is like this equation: 238 U--------- 234 Th + 4 90 92 2 α Notice how in the second part (going left to right) the top number is decreased by 4 and the bottom number by two. The top number (scientifically) is the Atomic Mass and the bottom is the atomic number. In Beta Decay a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton and an electron is emitted. This time in the following eqation the atomic mass (top number) stays the same whilst the atomic number ( bottom number) increases. For example 234------Th 234 Pa + 0 90 91 -1 β

Answer 3

In alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is a helium-4 nucleus composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. In beta decay, an atomic nucleus emits either an electron or a positron, as there are two different types of beta decay. Nuclear fission can occur in two basic ways. One is spontaneous fission, which is a form of natural radioactive decay. Let's repeat that. Spontaneous fission is the result of natural radioactive decay. We see a few unstable elements undergo this form or decay, and the two more well known are uranium and plutonium. In these elements, some unstable isotopes will spontaneously fission. No "preliminary" activity is necessary; the nucleus just splits in approximately two equal parts resulting in the production of the two fission fragments and the release of one or more neutrons. The other way that nuclear fission can occur is by neutron capture. This can also occur in nature, but it is unusual for it to happen. On the other hand, we use this principle, and in a big way. We apply it to nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. In these machines or devices, spontaneous fission of some fissile fuel releases neutrons, and the neutrons are captured by nearby atoms causing them to fission. All of these things, that is, alpha decay, beta decay and nuclear fission, are detailed in other questions. Links to them are supplied below.

Answer 4

Alpha and beta decay of an atom involves the loss of particles from the nucleus. Alpha decay means the loss of two neutrons and two protons from the nucleus, whereas beta decay requires a neutron to decay to an electron (which leaves the atom at high speed) and a proton (which stays in the nucleus).

In both cases the result of the decay is a change in the atom to give another element altogether. Alpha decay gives an element with an atomic number that is two lower than the starting element; Beta decay gives an element with an atomic number that it one higher than the original element.

Gamma decay is 'simply' the loss of excess energy from the nucleus - the gamma ray is simply energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation - and the nature of the element is unchanged from before it emits the gamma ray.

Gamma radiation often accompanies beta or alpha emission. For example, when 60Co undergoes beta decays to 60Ni, the 60Ni is in a high energy state and loses the excess energy by emitting two gamma rays.

Answer 5

An alpha particle is two protons and two neutrons, so it's a Helium-4 atoms nucleus. They are emitted from heavy nuclei.
Beta particles are just electrons, though this wasn't known at the time of their naming. Beta particles are emitted when there is an excess of neutrons in an atom. A neutron converts to a proton and a beta particle is emitted.
Gamma rays are emitted from nuclei with too much energy, the gamma rays are high energy EM rays which carry energy away from the high energy nucleus.

Answer 6

In alpha decay, the nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons, emitting them as an alpha particle (essentially, a helium nucleus). The atomic number therefore decreases by 2.

In ordinary beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus decays into a proton (which remains in the nucleus), an electron (which is emitted and sometimes called a beta particle) and an antineutrino. The atomic number therefore increases by 1.

There is another type of beta decay, called beta-plus (β+) decay or positron emission, in which a proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron (the antiparticle of the electron) and an neutrino. In this type of decay the atomic number decreases by 1.

Answer 7

After alpha decay the mass number is lowered with 4 and the atomic number with 2.
After beta decay the mass number is not changed but the atomic number increase with 1.
The nuclear fission involve breaking of the atomic nucleus; fission may be also natural.