Stable and unstable nuclei

Element

Two atoms with the same number of protons are the same element

What’s the equation for beta plus decay

P→ n + e^+ + Ve

Proton into a neutron plus a positron and electron neutrino

What happens to the numbers in beta plus decay

The nucleon number stays the same however the proton number goes down by one as a proton turns into a neutron

What’s the equation for beta minus decay

N→ p + e^- + Ve bar

Neutron turns into proton and ejects an electron and electron antineutrino

What happens to the numbers in beta minus decay

The proton number increases by one because a neutron turns into a proton and the nucleon number stays the same

What’s the equation for electron capture

P + e- → n + Ve

Another form of nuclear decay

Nucleus captures an inner shell electron leading to a proton turning into a neutron and an electron neutrino being emitted

What happens to the numbers in equation in electron capture

The proton number goes down by one and the nucleon number stays the same

What’s the last type of nuclear decay and what happens to the numbers

Gamma decay where a photon is emitted

The numbers stay the same in the equation

What type of force is responsible for beta plus and minus decay and electron capture

Weak force