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Describe alpha, beta and gamma decays and write down the formulae for the energies generated in each of these decays.

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(a) A radioactive transformation in which an αparticle is emitted is called α-decay. In an α-decay, the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

(b) A radioactive transformation in which a βparticle is emitted is called β-decay. In a β -decay, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1 and the mass number remains unchanged.

where \(\bar{v}\) is the neutrino emitted to conserve the momentum, energy and spin.

Q = [ mu - mTh - m\(_\alpha\)]c2

In a β+ -decay, the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 1 and the mass number remains unchanged.

where ve is the neutrino emitted to conserve the momentum, energy and spin.

Q = [mp - msi - me}c2

[Note : The term fi particle refers to the electron (or positron) emitted by a nucleus.]

A given nucleus does not emit α and βparticles simultaneously. However, on emission of α or β-particles, most nuclei are left in an excited state. A nucleus in an excited state emits a γ-ray photon in a transition to the lower energy state. Hence, α and βparticle emissions are often accompanied by γ-rays.

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