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Alpha decay:- It is a process of disintegration of an element which involves formation of a new element by loosing an alpha particle(He2+).
Example:-
84Po214 --------->82Pb210 + 2He4 + Q
Where subscripts denote atomic number, Superscripts denote Atomic Mass and Q is the energy released in the process.
Beta Decay:- It is also a process of disintegration but the difference from alpha decay lies in the fact that an electron is given out in the process rather than alpha particle.
Example:-
0n1 ----->1p1 + -1e0 + anti-neutrino.
Where n is neutron, p is proton, e is electron, subscripts are atomic charge and and superscripts are atomic mass.
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Which of these masses is the largest alpha particle antineutrino gamma radiation beta particle?
Alpha Particle
Breaking down of a neutron into a proton and an electron?
When a neutron breaks down into a proton and electron it is called decay. In this specific case it is Beta - (minus) decay since it is producing an electron (it also produces an electron antineutrino). If the result were a positron instead of an electron it would be called Beta + decay. Since a new proton has been made the element is also changed into the next highest element on the periodic table. So for instance, Carbon 14 will beta- decay into Nitrogen 14. Both types of Beta decay are mediated or assisted by the weak nuclear force with the W- and W+ bosons.
What symbol is used for a neutrino particle?
Beta particle symbols: e- or β- or B- (electrons) or e+ or β+ or B+ (positrons). If the - or + sign is omitted, assume that the beta particles are electrons. The Greek beta character is usually preferred, but a B is acceptable if Greek fonts are not available.
Is there a positron in the nucleus of an atom?
There are no positrons in the nucleus of any atom. Positrons are anti-electrons; they are antimatter. They could be said to be the antimatter equivalent of the electron, and, as such, they would be present around the nucleus of an antimatter atom as the electrons are present around the nucleus of a "regular" atom. Positrons can be produced in atomic nuclei by some kinds of radioactive decay, and they can be observed to be leaving a nuclear reaction called beta plus decay. But the positron leaves the nucleus of an atom as soon as it is created. It does not (cannot) exist in the nucleus of an atom.
What is released when a proton and electron are forced together?
This is called inverse beta decay and it forms a neutron. Normally a neutron will decay into a proton and electron, but the opposite will happen given enough energy. Coincidentally, this is how neutron stars are formed (the immense pressure from gravity overcomes the force separating protons and electrons.)
