Page 206 - Science Course 1 (Book 1)
P. 206
Mo6-L2b: What is a Nuclear Decay?
When beta decay occurs, a neutron changes into a
proton and a high-energy electron called a beta
particle.
The atomic number of an atom increases by one
because it has gained a proton.
One fewer
protons and
Beta Decay One fewer
neutrons
The energy released by radioactive decay can be
both harmful and beneficial to humans.
Unstable Radiation therapy can be beneficial to humans by
nucleus Beta destroying harmful cells such as cancer cells.
Particle
Because gamma rays do not contain particles, the
release of gamma rays does not change one element
into another element.
Gamma Decay
No change
in protons
or neutrons
Unstable Gamma
nucleus Rays SUMMARY
What is a Nuclear Decay?
Nuclear decay can produce three different
Key Concept types of radiation—alpha particles, beta
What is a Nuclear Decay? particles, and gamma rays.
What happens during nuclear decay?
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