<p align="right">Last Update: <font color="#4f81bd">July, 29, 2024</font></p> ## BIG IDEA - A means to show the modes of radioactive decay or bombardment. ### Alpha decay In alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, essentially a helium-4 nucleus). This process reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. ### Beta Decay (2 types) - **Beta-minus decay:** A neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The electron (beta particle) is emitted. - **Beta-plus decay (positron emission):** A proton is converted into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. The positron is emitted. ### Nuclear Bombardment Nuclear bombardment involves bombarding a stable nucleus with a particle (like a neutron or another nucleus) to induce a reaction. This is how many synthetic elements are created and how certain nuclear reactions, such as fission, are initiated. --- Return [[Home|Home]] | [[Nuclear Physics]] | [[The Nucleus]] | [[Shell Model of the Nucleus]] | [[Modes of Decay]] | [[Half-Life]] | [[Fission]] | [[Fusion]]