Question

Unstable atomic nuclei can decay, or split up, by giving out nuclear radiation. What is commonly formed during this process occurs? (Answer in three sentences)

Answer 1

Unstable nucleus undergoes radioactive decay by emitting
radiation to form stable nucleus .it is mainly of 3 kind
1. Alpha emission .This involves decay along with emission
of Hellium nucleus

[238.U.92 ] ----------> [ 234.Th.90 ]+ [4.He.2]

This is Uranium Nucleus -238 is mass number and 92 its atomic
number.----> produces Thorium Nucleus with mass number 234

and atomic number 90 along with He nucleus }

Beta decay . Unstable nucleus decays by emitting positron or
an electron.{called beta plus or beta minus decay] and forms a stable
nucleus

[32.P.15] -----> [32.S.16] + e(-)
Here P-15 produces S-16

Gamma decay-Nucleus at higher energy level is unstable hence
it emits gamma rays to form stable lower energy nucleus

Thank you