nuclear equations

• Nuclear equation


  Shows what's produced when a radioactive nucleus decays
• Alpha particle


  Has 2 protons and 2 neutrons, same as helium nucleus
• Alpha decay


  1. Radioactive element decays and releases an alpha particle

  2. Produces a new element with atomic number 2 less and mass number 4 less than original
• Rules for alpha decay

  • Atomic number increases by 2
  • Mass number decreases by 4
• Beta decay


  Neutron changes to proton and electron is ejected as beta particle
• Beta decay


  1. Radioactive element decays and releases a beta particle

  2. Atomic number increases by 1, mass number does not change
• Rules for beta decay

  • Atomic number increases by 1
  • Mass number does not change
• Gamma decay


  Neither atomic number nor mass number change