Nuclear Energy

Alpha decay

• The nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons, same as a helium nucleus).

• Effect:

  • The atom’s mass number decreases by 4.

  • The atomic number decreases by 2.

• Example:

  • Uranium-238 → Thorium-234 + alpha particle.

Beta decay

• A neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton and releases a beta particle (an electron).

• Effect:

  • The mass number stays the same.

  • The atomic number increases by 1 (because of the extra proton).

• Example:

  • Carbon-14 → Nitrogen-14 + beta particle.

Positron emission

emits positron, charge goes down.

Electron Capture

takes in electron, charge goes down