Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Al Jay Lan Alamin Marthee Nina Kadavero

PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

April 1, 2019
Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Introduction

Alpha Decay

Beta Decay

Gamma Decay

Summary

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Denition of Terms

Denition
Nuclides refer to the specic nuclear species in an atom.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Denition of Terms

Denition
Nuclides refer to the specic nuclear species in an atom.

Denition
A nuclide is radioactive if it is unstable.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Radioactive Decay

Instability is caused by an imbalance in the neutron/proton ratio.

Because of this, radioactive decay occurs.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Radioactive Decay

Instability is caused by an imbalance in the neutron/proton ratio.

Because of this, radioactive decay occurs.There are three types
of natural radioactive decay:

1. Alpha Decay

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Radioactive Decay

Instability is caused by an imbalance in the neutron/proton ratio.

Because of this, radioactive decay occurs.There are three types
of natural radioactive decay:

1. Alpha Decay
2. Beta Decay

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Radioactive Decay

Instability is caused by an imbalance in the neutron/proton ratio.

Because of this, radioactive decay occurs.There are three types
of natural radioactive decay:

1. Alpha Decay
2. Beta Decay
3. Gamma Decay

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Radioactive Decay

Instability is caused by an imbalance in the neutron/proton ratio.

Because of this, radioactive decay occurs.There are three types
of natural radioactive decay:

1. Alpha Decay
2. Beta Decay
3. Gamma Decay

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

α Decay

When a nuclide undergoes alpha decay, it releases an alpha

particle. Heavier elements tend to undergo alpha decay.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The α particle

An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons.

Therefore, it is the Helium-4 nucleus.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The α particle

An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons.

Therefore, it is the Helium-4 nucleus.
4
He

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The decay for the Uranium-238 is as follows:

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The decay for the Uranium-238 is as follows:
238
U→

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The decay for the Uranium-238 is as follows:
238
U → 234 Th + α

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

β Decay

When a nuclide undergoes beta decay, it releases a beta particle.

Nuclides with high n/p ratios tend to undergo beta decay.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The β particle

There are two types of beta particles: the beta-minus (β − ) and the
beta-plus (β + ).

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The β particle

There are two types of beta particles: the beta-minus (β − ) and the
beta-plus (β + ). The beta-minus is the electron; the beta-plus is a
positron.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P→

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β −

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β − + v

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β − + v

Example
The beta-plus decay of Copper is as follows:

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β − + v

Example
The beta-plus decay of Copper is as follows:
64
Cu →

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β − + v

Example
The beta-plus decay of Copper is as follows:
64
Cu → 64 Ni + β +

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β − + v

Example
The beta-plus decay of Copper is as follows:
64
Cu → 64 Ni + β + + v

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Example
The beta-minus decay of Phosphorus is as follows:
32
P → 32 S + β − + v

Example
The beta-plus decay of Copper is as follows:
64
Cu → 64 Ni + β + + v

v refers to the neutrino. A neutral particle with innitesimal mass.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

γ Decay

Alpha and beta decays involve the release of a particle.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

γ Decay

Alpha and beta decays involve the release of a particle. In contrast,

gamma decay involves the emission of the γ ray.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

γ Decay

Alpha and beta decays involve the release of a particle. In contrast,

gamma decay involves the emission of the γ ray. Gamma decay
accompanies both alpha and beta decays.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

238
U →234 Th + α

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

238
U →234 Th + α + γ

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

238
U →234 Th + α + γ

32
P →32 S + β − + v

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

238
U →234 Th + α + γ

32
P →32 S + β − + v + γ

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

238
U →234 Th + α + γ

32
P →32 S + β − + v + γ

64
Cu →64 Ni + β + + v

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

The γ Ray

Gamma rays can be compared to x-rays, high in energy and short

in wavelength.These waves are extremely penetrating. Thus, in

the previous examples:

238
U →234 Th + α + γ

32
P →32 S + β − + v + γ

64
Cu →64 Ni + β + + v + γ

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Summary

Radioactive decay occurs in radioactive nuclides to achieve a

balance in the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Summary

Radioactive decay occurs in radioactive nuclides to achieve a

balance in the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. It is
classied into three:

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Alpha Decay

This occurs when nuclides emit an alpha particle (helium nucleus)

during decay. This occurs mostly in heavier elements and
conservation of mass is observed during such process.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Beta Decay

Either an electron or positron is emitted during beta decay along

with a neutrino. Such occurs when there is high neutron/proton
ratio causing for a neutron to transform to a proton or vice versa
releasing an beta-particle and a neutrino.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays

Introduction Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Summary

Gamma Decay

Accompanying both alpha and beta decays, gamma decay releases

gamma rays which are massless high energy waves similar to that of
x-rays. These gamma rays are not usually written in the balanced
equation since they do not alter the mass number but they do have
a strong eect in regards to the energy and the ability to penetrate
of the gamma rays.

Al Jay Lan Alamin, Marthee Nina Kadavero PSHS - CMC: PHYSICS3

Radioactivity, and α, β , and γ Decays