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 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 energy level, while gamma decay releases a particle. 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. 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.

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.

Explanation:

• Beta decay involves the release of a beta particle (which can be an electron or positron) from the nucleus of an atom, and it results in the transformation of one element into another.
• Gamma decay involves the release of gamma radiation, which is electromagnetic radiation (a photon) and does not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus, only reducing its energy state.
• Neither beta decay nor gamma decay is classified as nuclear fission, which involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei.