Question

Which decay process involves the emission of a particle with a comparatively large mass and a positive charge?

Options

• Gamma decay

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Positron emission decay

Answer 1

In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle \[ \,^{4}_{2}\text{He} \], which carries a positive charge and has a comparatively large mass. In contrast, beta particles have very small mass and gamma rays have no mass.