Question

Question:What are the types of radiation emitted by the nuclei of radioactive elements?

Short answer

Types of radiation emitted by radioactive elements:

Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons.

Step-by-step solution

Radioactive elements

These are the elements in which the nuclei of their atoms interact and form new elements. Certain radiation like alpha, beta, and gamma rays are also generated during these reactions. They are used in the treatment of cancers.

Step 2: Explanation

1)

Helium nuclei give an\(\alpha \)particle which is a divalent cation of helium. In other words, it is the nucleus of helium with 2 protons and 2 neutrons. We write it as:\(_2^4He\$ or\$ _2^4\alpha .\)

2)

We have electrons from which we have $\beta$ particle is the electron which has high energy which is released during the radioactive decay of the unstable nucleus. We write it as:\(_{ - 1}^0e or _{ - 1}^0\beta .\)

Or we can have a positron, a particle with similar properties to an electron. However, the main difference between them is that a positron has a positive charge and is an antiparticle. We write it as:\(_{ + 1}^0e or _{ + 1}^0\beta .\)

3)

\(\gamma \)ray is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with high energy and short wavelength and shows wave-particle duality. We write it as:\(_0^0\gamma .\)

4)

neutron can also be emitted from a radioactive element. We write it as \(_0^1n.\)