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Gamma decay is primarily "energy only", in that it is the emanation of photons that represent energy. However, and this is important to understand, gamma does not exist by itself - gamma is a secondary reaction to a primary reaction that involves a change to the nucleus - a change that is usually represented by alpha or beta decay.
So, with the exception of the few metastable forms of radionuclides, gamma still, ultimately, is preceded by particle emission. (Even in the metastable forms, the gamma is preceded by particle emission - its just that the event is delayed enough to "count it" as a separate event.)
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Which characteristic best describes how nuclear decay differs from nuclear fission?
Energy
What are the two quantities are always conserved in nuclear decay equation?
Energy and electrical charge are two quantities that are always conserved in nuclear decay equation.
Is nuclear decay an example of a nuclear change?
Yes, it is. Nuclear decay is a process that an unstable atom goes through to lose energy and move toward a more stable state. (It may take more than one decay.) In nuclear decay, the nucleus undergoes a change by releasing a particle or particles and electromagnetic energy. Links are provided to related Wikipedia articles and related questions.
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.
Which equation represents a spontaneous nuclear decay?
All nuclear decay is spontaneous.
What term is defined as the emission of energy from subatomic particles?
Radiation is an emission. For example, gamma radiation from a nuclear decay is an emission of energy, photons.
Why is radium warm?
Radium is a warm as a consequence of energy release by nuclear reactions - radioactive decay with the emission of alpha, beta and gamma rays.
What is the nuclear equation for the decay of AM250 by emission?
4291Mo => 4191Nb + e+ + veHope this works for you!
If a helium ion is emmited during the disintegration of a nucleus what kind of decay is this called?
Nuclear emission of a helium ion is called alpha decay.
What type of nuclear decay produces energy instead of a particle?
gamma decay
What are some examples of a nuclear energy?
fission nuclear energyfusion nuclear energyradioactive decay
Why do some researchers complain when the emission of a gamma particle is called gamma decay?
Because its not a decay process. Gamma is an emission of energy in the form of photons from the nucleus when the nucleus changes from one energy level to a lower energy level. It is true that this is often preceded by a decay event, such as alpha or beta, but it is a distinct, non decay, event.
The emission of electromagnetic energy from an atomic nucleus is called decay?
gamma
Which characteristic best describes how nuclear decay differs from nuclear fission?
Energy
Which characteristics best describes how nuclear decay differs from nuclear fission?
Energy
What is the release of matter and energy from nuclear decay?
Fussion
What is The spontaneous decay of an atom is called?
Nuclear decay.Different types of nuclear decay include:Alpha Decay, where the nucleus ejects a charged particle made of protons and neutrons.Beta Decay, where a neutron turns into a proton, a Beta particle (an electron or positron) and a neutrino.Gamma radiation can also be emitted in these processes.
