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Which form of radioactive decay consists of photons?
Gamma decay consists of the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. This type of radioactive decay occurs when an unstable nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma rays to become more stable.
What do unstable isotopes become when they decay?
Unstable isotopes become more stable isotopes or different elements when they decay through processes such as alpha or beta decay. The decay results in the emission of radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles and gamma rays.
When cesium-137 undergoes beta minus decay what new element is formed?
Cs-137 decays to become the metastable element Ba-137m which has a half-life of only 2 minutes 55 and then it eventually becomes Barium-137. The nucleus undergoes a transition in which one of the neutrons becomes a proton which moves it up on the periodic table one place to become Barium-137. During this process is gives off a photon (gamma) with an energy level of approximately 662 keV.
The least energetic of the forms of radioactive decay is ______?
alpha decay
What are the different types of radioactive decay and how do they differ from each other?
There are three main types of radioactive decay: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This type of decay reduces the atomic number of the nucleus by 2 and the mass number by 4. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which can be either an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). Beta decay changes the atomic number of the nucleus by 1 but does not significantly affect the mass number. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus but helps the nucleus reach a more stable energy state. These types of decay differ in the particles emitted and the changes they cause to the nucleus.
When an atom undergoes radioactive decay does it become a different element?
That depends on the type of decay, alpha and beta decay change the atom into a different element but gamma decay does not.
When an unstable magnesium nucleus undergoes gamma decay the nucleus formed is that of what?
When an unstable magnesium nucleus undergoes gamma decay, it remains as a magnesium nucleus. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus, only releasing a gamma photon to reduce excess energy.
Uranium-238 undergoes nuclear decay Therefore uranium-238 will?
Become thorium-234 after ejecting an alpha particle and gamma ray. The thorium-234 continues to decay through 13 more decay events, ultimately becoming lead-126.
Which form of radioactive decay consists of photons?
Gamma decay consists of the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. This type of radioactive decay occurs when an unstable nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma rays to become more stable.
What is the decay process that polonium undergoes?
All isotopes of polonium can undergo alpha decay, a small number of isotopes can also undergo beta decay, K capture decay, or gamma decay.
When one neptunium isotope undergoes an alpha decay what does it become?
Npn decays to Pan-4 and alpha. Only isotopes 234, 235, and 237 of neptunium can undergo alpha decay, the others decay by beta-, beta+, K capture, and/or gamma decay. So the only products of neptunium alpha decay can be protactinium isotopes 230, 231, or 233.
What happens to an atom that experiences radioactive decay?
It loses mass.
What is the daughter product of uranium 238 by beta and gamma emission?
The decay product of uranium 238 by alpha disintegration (not beta or gamma) is thorium 234.
What type of nuclear decay produces energy instead of a particle?
Gamma decay produces energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic radiation, instead of particles. Gamma decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus transitions to a lower energy state by releasing gamma rays.
What do unstable isotopes become when they decay?
Unstable isotopes become more stable isotopes or different elements when they decay through processes such as alpha or beta decay. The decay results in the emission of radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles and gamma rays.
What is a nucleus that is unstable and undergoes decay?
Atomic nuclei that are unstable and decaying are said to be radioactive. Radioactive decay involves alpha, beta and gamma particle emissions.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
No, gamma decay does not change the atomic number of an atom. Gamma decay involves the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) from the nucleus of an atom, but it does not affect the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the atomic number.
