Alpha Decay
Before: 238U (92 protons, 146 neutrons, 92 electrons, atomic number 92) → After: 234Th (90 protons, 144 neutrons, 90 electrons, atomic number 90)
Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) from the nucleus.
Beta-minus Decay
Before: 14C (6 protons, 8 neutrons, 6 electrons, atomic number 6) → After: 14N (7 protons, 7 neutrons, 7 electrons, atomic number 7)
Beta-minus decay involves the emission of an electron from the nucleus when a neutron is converted to a proton.
Beta-plus Decay
Before: 22Na (11 protons, 11 neutrons, 11 electrons, atomic number 11) → After: 22Ne (10 protons, 12 neutrons, 10 electrons, atomic number 10)
Beta-plus decay involves the emission of a positron from the nucleus when a proton is converted to a neutron.
Gamma Decay
Before: 60Co* (27 protons, 33 neutrons, 27 electrons, atomic number 27) → After: 60Co (27 protons, 33 neutrons, 27 electrons, atomic number 27)
Gamma decay involves the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) from an excited nucleus.
Positron Emission
Before: 18F (9 protons, 9 neutrons, 9 electrons, atomic number 9) → After: 18O (8 protons, 10 neutrons, 8 electrons, atomic number 8)
Positron emission is another name for beta-plus decay, where a positron (positively charged electron) is emitted from the nucleus.