Atoms

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

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