Radioactivity Quick Review

Alpha decay

Equivalent to losing a helium atom

B- decay

Emission of a proton and electron and antineutrino

B+ decay

loss of a positron

K-capture

proton in the nucleus “captures” an electron from n=1 shell

Gamma radiation

follows a primary emission (usually a beta particle)

Nuclear Fission

breaking of a heavier nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei along with energy release

Nuclear Fusion

process where two nuclei (rarely more) combine to create a new heavier nucleus