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Describe alpha, beta and gamma decays and write down the formulae for the energies generated in each of these decays. - Physics

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Question

Describe alpha, beta and gamma decays and write down the formulae for the energies generated in each of these decays.

Answer in Brief
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Solution

  1. A radioactive transformation in which an α-particle is emitted is called α-decay.
    In an α-decay, the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.
    Example: \[\ce{_92^238U->_90^234Th + _2^4\alpha}\]
    Q = [mU - mTh - mα]c2
  2. A radioactive transformation in which a β-particle is emitted is called β-decay.
    In a  β- -decay, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1 and the mass number remains unchanged.
    Example: \[\ce{_90^234Th->_91^234Pa + _-1^0e +\bar{v}_e}\]
    where `bar"v"_"e"` is the antineutrino emitted to conserve the momentum, energy and spin.
    Q = [mTh - mpa - me]c2
    In a β+ -decay, the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 1 and the mass number remains unchanged.
    Example: \[\ce{_15^30P->_14^30Si +_+1^0e +v_e}\]
    where ve is the neutrino emitted to conserve the momentum, energy and spin.
    Q = [mP - mSi - me]c
  3. A given nucleus does not emit α- and -β particles simultaneously. However, on emission of α or β-particles, most nuclei are left in an excited state. A nucleus in an excited state emits a γ-ray photon in a transition to the lower energy state. Hence, α- and β-particle emissions are often accompanied by γ-rays.

\[\ce{_Z^AX->_2^4\alpha{ +} _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y + energy released}\]

\[\ce{_Z^AX->_-1^0\beta{ +} _{Z+1}^{A}Y + energy released}\]

\[\ce{_Z^AX->_0^0\gamma{ +} _{Z}^{A}X}\] (Energy released is carried by the γ-ray photon).

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Radioactive Decays
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Chapter 15: Structure of Atoms and Nuclei - Exercises [Page 342]

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Balbharati Physics [English] Standard 12 Maharashtra State Board
Chapter 15 Structure of Atoms and Nuclei
Exercises | Q 7 | Page 342

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