Radioactive Decay

Types of Decay Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay

Alpha Decay An alpha particle has 2 protons and 2 neutrons Positively charged The release of an alpha particle decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4 These particles can be blocked by things like paper or clothing

Beta Decay This is when a neutron from within an atom gets changed into a negatively charged particle and a proton Fast moving electron Mass number stays same, but the atomic number increases by 1 Can be blocked by an aluminum sheet, but not by paper

Gamma Decay These are higher energy rays that accompany alpha and beta rays These are very similar to X-rays No charge and does not cause a change in the mass number or atomic number Most gamma rays are blocked by a cement block but not all These are the most destructive type of rays to humans