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The two types of radioactive decay are alpha and beta. Generally, in alpha decay the nucleus will lose 2 protons and 2 neutrons (it's a helium nucleus). Beta decay involves a neutron losing an electron and becoming a proton, so the Atomic Mass remains the same, but the atomic number increases by one since there is another proton.

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What are three types of nuclear decay?

The main three types are: Alpha, beta, and gamma nuclear radioactive decay. refer to the related question below.


What are 2 types of radioactive decay?

There are three main types of radiation:Alpha radiationBeta radiationGamma radiation


How is the radioactive decay of Krypton different from the radioactive decay of Americium?

The radioactive decay of americium 241 is by alpha disintegration; the disintegration of radioactive krypton isotopes is by beta particles emission.


What actually decays in radioactive decay?

The nucleus of the atom decays, and in the process, the nucleus transforms into another element, or into an isotope or isomer of the same element. In radioactive decay, the nucleus always emits some kind of particle(s). It is the high-energy emission of these particles that we call radiation. There are many different types of radioactive decay:Alpha decay results in the emission of an alpha particle (two neutrons and two protons)Beta decay results in the emission of a beta particle (an electron or a positron)Neutron decay results in the emission of a neutronProton decay results in the emission of a protonGamma decay results in the emission of a gamma particle (a photon)Neutrino decay results in the emission of a neutrino or antineutrinoIn some cases, a combination of the above emissions takes place. For example in double beta decay, a single nucleus emits two electrons and two antineutrinos in the same event.


Who discovered radioactive decay in 1898?

ernest Rutherford _______________________________________________________________ Radioactive decay was actually discovered in 1896 by Henri Bacquerel. Ernest Rutherford discovered the formula of radioactive decay (Such as the falk-life, differences between alpha and beta decay and even how the elements become new elements after the decay), but he did not discover the radioactive decay himself.

Related Questions

Radioactive decay do not involve electrons?

That statement is not entirely accurate. Radioactive decay can involve the emission of alpha particles, beta particles (electrons or positrons), and gamma rays. Electrons can be involved in certain types of radioactive decay processes.


What types of radioactive decay can be forced?

none


What are two types of beta decay for radioactive elements?

Some isotopes emit an electron on decay, others emit a positron (anti-electron).


What two types of particulate radiation are involved in radioactive decay?

alpha & beta (helium nuclei and electrons)


What are the types of radioactive decay?

alpha, beta, gamma.


What are three main types of radioactive decay?

AlphaBetaGamma!


Which type of radioactive decay has the largest and most damaging particles?

Alpha decay has the largest and most damaging particles among the types of radioactive decay. This decay involves the emission of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons and have a relatively high energy level, making them more damaging to living tissues.


Where can you find radioactive symbol?

in certain types of radioactive decay processes. it is not electromagnetic radiation.


What is the name for the emission of rays and particles by a radioactive material?

The name for the emissions of rays and particles by a radioactive material are called radioactive decay. There are many different types of radioactive decay that emit different rays and particles.


Compare and contrast two types of radioactive decay?

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) from the nucleus, resulting in a decrease in atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4. In beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton and an electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus, resulting in an increase in atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains the same.


What is the source of heat in the Earth interior?

The decay of radioactive isotopes.The decay of radioactive isotopes.The decay of radioactive isotopes.The decay of radioactive isotopes.


Radioactive decay can be affected by what?

Most types of radioactive decay cannot be affected by anything. However, radioactive decay involving electron capture will be affected by the removal of electrons from around the nucleus. In the absence of orbital electrons, it cannot occur at all.