3. The three major types of radioactive decay of an unstable nucleus are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Question

Compare and contrast alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Explain how alpha decay works and how it causes transmutations.
Explain how beta decay works and how it causes transmutations.
Compare the transmutations caused by alpha and beta emissions.

Answer 1

Good evening Sam. I see no sense in writing all of this down for you when you can read all about it by Googling what you want to know. Basically, alpha particles are He nuclei (2 protons and 2 neutrons). beta particles are electrons with a -1 charge, and gamma rays are waves of high energy. I will answer specific questions that you may have and don't understand but most anything you want is on the web.