Radioactive decay — Supplement Learning Objectives
Summary
- Know that isotopes of an element may be radioactive due to an excess of neutrons in the nucleus and/or the nucleus being too heavy
- Describe the effect of α-decay, β-decay and γ-emissions on the nucleus, including an increase in stability and a reduction in the number of excess neutrons; the following change in the nucleus occurs during β-emission neutron -> proton + electron
- Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation
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