Nuclear Equations

Alpha Decay

4

He

2

226 4

Ra → Rn + He

88 2

To work out atomic number → reactant atomic number - helium atomic number/ during alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2

To work out mass number → reactant mass number - helium mass number/the atomic number decreases by 4

Beta Decay

In beta decay, a neutron changes to a proton and an electron. The electron is ejected from the nucleus. This is called a beta particle 0 (mass number) -1 (atomic number) e

29 0

Al → Si + e

13 -1

The atomic number increases by 1

The mass number does not change

Gamma radiation

Both atomic and mass number are not changed at all