1

H1

1

H2

ISOTOPES

CHANGED

α - ALPHA DECAYAlpha Decay: Radioactive decay in which the nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons

(what element has 2 protons and 2 neutrons on the periodic table?) 6

C14

4

Be12

-2 P & -2N

EXAMPLE

CHANGED

β - BETA DECAY

Beta Decay: Radioactive decay in which a neutron is broken down to a proton & an electron; the electron is lost.

6

C14

7

N14

- 1 N + 1 P

EXCITED

EXCITED

γ - GAMMA DECAY

Gamma Decay: Radioactive decay in which the nucleus changes from and excited state to a stable state, be releasing a gamma wave

This happens at the same time as either alpha or beta decay

α - ALPHA DECAY

β - BETA DECAY

γ - GAMMA DECAY

Electron Lost+ 1 ProtonNeutron breaks down

He (2 protons & 2 neutrons)

Nucleus – 2p & - 2n

Gamma rayExcited atom