Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Decay

Today in chemistry, we were introduced to three different types of radioactive decay. Similar to the alphabet, alpha decay was learned about first; it is when an atom ejects an alpha particle, also known as a helium atom, or 2 protons and 2 neutrons to lower its mass number by 4 and its atomic number by 2. It is portrayed by the first of the three below pictures. Learn the ABC's of alpha decay at this website.  Following alpha decay was beta decay. Beta decay is when one of the neutrons in an atom turn into a proton, and then a beta particle, an electron or positron, is shot out of the atom. The identity of a beta particle is clarified by the second image below. It raises the atomic number of atom by one, but its mass number remains unchanged. Go to hyperphysic's website for a closer inspection of beta decay. The final form of decay we learned about was the peculiar gamma decay. It happens during alpha and beta decay, but does not alter the atomic or mass number of the atom, as pictured in the bottom-most image.. Gamma decay emits high-energy photons, not any protons or neutrons or electrons. To go into the specific details of gamma decay, go to this quantum mechanics guide for engineers.




http://www.ooshutup.com/what-are-alpha-particles-and-their-properties-radioactivity/


http://spmphysics.onlinetuition.com.my/2013/08/3-types-of-radioactive-emission.html


http://chemistry.tutorvista.com/nuclear-chemistry/nuclear-chain-reaction.html