Types of Radioactive Decay - AP Physics 2

A proton is converted into a neutron. Increases neutron count, decreases proton count.

Beta-minus decay increases atomic number by 1. Neutron converts to proton plus electron.

Decreases atomic number by 1. Inner electron combines with proton.

Gamma decay has no change in charge. Only nuclear energy state changes.

The original unstable isotope before decay. The starting nucleus before transformation.

Nuclear binding energy is released during decay. Mass defect converts to kinetic energy.

Reduces positive charge by converting a proton into a neutron. Proton becomes neutron, reducing nuclear charge.

A neutron is converted into a proton. Increases proton count, decreases neutron count.

Alpha decay reduces both atomic number and mass. Loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons total.

Beta-plus decay or electron capture decreases atomic number by 1. Both convert proton to neutron, reducing charge.

A radioactive isotope of an element. Unstable nucleus with excess energy or mass.

In beta and gamma decay, the mass number remains unchanged. No nucleons are lost, only energy changes.

An alpha particle is a helium nucleus. Contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons bound.

Emission of a high-energy photon, no change in atomic or mass number. Only releases excess nuclear energy as photons.

A neutron is emitted, reducing mass number by 1. Direct emission reduces nucleon count.

Alpha decay reduces mass number by 4. Loses one helium-4 nucleus (mass = 4).

Gamma decay involves electromagnetic radiation. Emits high-energy photons ($\gamma$ rays).

Proton converts to neutron, emitting a positron and neutrino. $\beta^+$ decay decreases atomic number by 1.

Emission of a helium-4 nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons). The $\alpha$ particle has mass 4 and charge +2.

A neutron is absorbed by the nucleus. Increases mass number by 1.

Beta-plus decay increases the neutron-to-proton ratio. Converts proton to neutron, increasing ratio.

Conversion of one chemical element to another during decay. Changes atomic number, creating new element.

Decreases atomic number by 1. Inner electron combines with proton.

Conversion of a neutron to a proton with emission of an electron. Also releases an antineutrino for conservation.

The stable isotope formed after decay. The product nucleus after decay occurs.

A series of successive radioactive decays until a stable nucleus is formed. Continues until reaching valley of stability.

Decreases neutron count by converting a neutron to a proton. One fewer neutron, one more proton.

Emission of gamma photons as nucleus moves to lower energy state. Metastable nucleus decays to ground state.

Beta-minus decay emits an antineutrino. Conservation requires antineutrino with electron.