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IP2.28.3 Simple introduction to decay Simple introduction to decay
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IP2.28.3 Simple introduction to decay Some atomic nuclei are unstable and they undergo a process of radioactive decay. In this process the nucleus loses energy and emits some ionising particles or radiation. The nucleus is then in a lower and more stable state.
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IP2.28.3 Simple introduction to decay There are three different type of ionising particle or radiation. They were named alphabetically (using the Greek alphabet): Alpha particles (α) Beta particles (β) Gamma radiation (γ)
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IP2.28.3 Simple introduction to decay The size, charge and nature of each type of radiation are: Alpha particles (α)– 2 protons and 2 neutrons +ve charge Beta particles (β) – high speed electron –ve charge Gamma radiation (γ) – high energy electromagnetic wave – no charge.
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IP2.28.3 Simple introduction to decay Why does radioactive decay occur? Some atoms are unstable – with a slight rearrangement of the particles in the atom it would be able to release some energy and exist in a lower energy state. In radioactive decay this process is spontaneous. It does not need anything to trigger it to occur – it just happens. Think of it like an avalanche. Snow builds up on a mountain side and everything looks okay, until an avalanche occurs. The snow was in an unstable state. The avalanche releases a large amount of energy and the snow ends up at the bottom of the mountain in a much lower energy state.
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