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Altogether, there are three major types of nuclear decay that radioactive particles can undergo: alpha, beta, or gamma decay. Each type emits a particle from the nucleus. Alpha particles are high-energy helium nuclei containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Considering this, how do you know what type of decay?
In terms of decay types, beta decay is predicted by looking at an isotope's neutron to proton ratio. Alpha decay will occur frequently in elements with atomic numbers greater than 83 and gamma decay will occur when a nucleus is an excited state.
Moreover, what are the four types of nuclear decay?
There are 5 different types of radioactive decay.
- Alpha decay follows the form:
- Beta negative decay follows the form:
- Gamma decay follows the form:
- Positron emission (also called Beta positive decay) follows the form:
- Electron capture follows the form:
Alpha decay: Alpha decay is a common mode of radioactive decay in which a nucleus emits an alpha particle (a helium-4 nucleus). Beta decay: Beta decay is a common mode of radioactive decay in which a nucleus emits beta particles. The daughter nucleus will have a higher atomic number than the original nucleus.