Question

Which statement about gamma decay is correct?

Options

• The nucleus emits a helium nucleus which carries a positive charge

• The nucleus emits an electron which carries a negative charge

• The nucleus emits high-energy electromagnetic radiation, which has no mass and no charge

• The nucleus emits a positron which carries a positive charge

Answer 1

In gamma decay, the nucleus emits high-energy electromagnetic radiation called gamma rays. Gamma rays have no mass and no charge, and they have very high penetrating power.