Which option correctly compares beta decay and gamma decay?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Beta decay releases a particle, while gamma decay only reduces the energy level. Beta decay is a form of nuclear fission, but gamma decay is not.
Beta decay releases a particle, while gamma decay only reduces the energy level. Beta decay is a form of nuclear fission, but gamma decay is not.

Beta decay releases a particle, while gamma decay only reduces the energy level. Neither beta decay nor gamma decay is a form of nuclear fission.
Beta decay releases a particle, while gamma decay only reduces the energy level. Neither beta decay nor gamma decay is a form of nuclear fission.

Beta decay only reduces the energy level, while gamma decay releases a particle. Gamma decay is a form of nuclear fission, but beta decay is not.
Beta decay only reduces the energy level, while gamma decay releases a particle. Gamma decay is a form of nuclear fission, but beta decay is not.

Beta decay only reduces the e

Answer 1

The correct option is:

Beta decay releases a particle, while gamma decay only reduces the energy level. Neither beta decay nor gamma decay is a form of nuclear fission.

To clarify:

• Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton (or vice versa), resulting in the emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons).
• Gamma decay involves the release of energy in the form of gamma rays and does not change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus, thus only lowering the energy state.
• Neither process is considered nuclear fission, which involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei.