7.6 describe the effects on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus of the emission of each of the three main types of radiation

7.6 describe the effects on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus of the emission of each of the three main types of radiation

Alpha decay: In alpha decay, alpha particles takes away 4 nucleons with itself which reduce the mass number of the element by 4. Alpha particles have 2 protons with it, which reduce the atomic number of the element by 2.

Beta decay: Beta particle practically has no mass, so it doesn’t affect the mass number of the element. As beta particles has a charge of -1, the elements atomic number is increased by +1.

Gamma decay: Gamma ray is an electromagnetic wave and doesn’t affect the mass number or atomic number of the element.