Describe the common types of radioactive decay. What effect does each have on a nucleus?

Alpha decay occurs when an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons (essentially a helium nucleus). The parent nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons, causing a decrease in its mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2. As a result, the original nucleus transmutes into a new element with a lower atomic number and a more stable nucleus.

There are two types of beta decay: beta-minus decay and beta-plus decay. 2.1 Beta-minus decay: Beta-minus decay occurs when a neutron in an unstable nucleus is converted into a proton, releasing an electron (called a beta particle) and an electron antineutrino. During this process, the mass number of the nucleus remains unchanged, but the atomic number increases by 1. Consequently, the unstable nucleus transforms into a new element with a higher atomic number. 2.2 Beta-plus decay: Beta-plus decay, also known as positron decay, occurs when a proton in an unstable nucleus is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron (which is a positively charged electron) and an electron neutrino. Similar to beta-minus decay, the mass number remains unchanged, but the atomic number decreases by 1. The nucleus transforms into a new element with a lower atomic number.

Gamma decay takes place when an excited nucleus, often produced as a result of alpha or beta decay, emits excess energy in the form of a high-energy photon, called a gamma ray. Unlike alpha and beta decay, gamma decay does not involve the emission of a particle and does not alter the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus. Instead, it causes the nucleus to transition from an excited state to a lower energy state, making the nucleus more stable. In conclusion, alpha, beta, and gamma decay are common types of radioactive decay that have different effects on a nucleus. Alpha decay reduces the mass number and atomic number, beta decay changes the atomic number but not the mass number, and gamma decay involves a change in energy without changing the atomic or mass number. Each decay process contributes to the stabilization of the nucleus.