Atoms

Some isotopes are unstable and can decay into other elements. Decay involves emitting radiation such as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

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1. \n Electrons orbit the nucleus at specific energy levels which are also called .
2. The shells get progressively from the nucleus and increase in energy level.
3. Electrons can electromagnetic radiation and jump to a higher energy level / shell. In these cases we say that the electron has become 'excited'.
4. Excited electrons can later fall back to a lower energy level, and electromagnetic radiation in the process.
5. Electrons can also absorb enough energy to leave the atom altogether, this is known as .

\ A radioactive material has unstable isotopes that can decay.

\ Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons

An alpha particle is the same as a helium nucleus. It has no electrons, and has a charge of +2.

A beta particle consists of one electron

What does a gamma ray consist of?

Electromagnetic radiation

\ What causes the emission of a neutron? A nucleus has too many neutrons making it unstable

\ A beta particle is the same as an electron. What is the source of the beta particle?A neutron decaying into a proton and an electron

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