Name two forms in which energy can be carried away from a nucleus undergoing radioactive decay.

Energy transfer during radioactive decay can occur in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This type of radiation consists of waves of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. The spectrum of electromagnetic radiation includes various types like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, each with increasing energy levels.

In the context of radioactive decay, electromagnetic radiation is vital as it often involves the release of gamma rays, a high-energy segment of the spectrum. Since electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays, doesn't require a medium to travel through, it can traverse the vacuum of space, making it an efficient carrier of energy away from radioactive nuclei.

Gamma rays represent the highest energy form within the electromagnetic spectrum and are a common byproduct of the radioactive decay process. These high-energy photons are emitted without an associated charge or mass, which allows them to penetrate materials extensively and carry energy over considerable distances.

However, due to their penetrating nature, gamma rays can pose a serious health hazard. Proper shielding, often with dense materials like lead, is necessary to protect biological tissues from the ionizing effects of gamma radiation, which can cause cellular damage and mutations.

Alpha particles are a type of particle emission that can occur during radioactive decay. They are essentially helium-4 nuclei, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, and are relatively heavy compared to other types of radioactive emissions like beta particles.

Due to their mass and charge, alpha particles interact strongly with matter, losing energy quickly and traveling only a short distance. They can be stopped by materials as thin as a piece of paper or the outer layers of human skin. Despite being weak penetrators, they are highly ionizing within their range and can cause significant damage to biological tissues if ingested or inhaled.

Beta particles, in the context of radioactive decay, denote energetic electrons or positrons that are ejected from an unstable nucleus. These particles are much lighter than alpha particles and carry a single electrical charge.

As a consequence of their lighter mass and charge, beta particles have greater penetrating power than alpha particles but less than gamma rays. They can travel a few meters in the air and are capable of penetrating skin, but are generally stopped by a few millimeters to centimeters of solid material. In terms of health risks, beta particles are an intermediate hazard and require shielding to protect against potential radiation burns or long-term effects.