Nuclear decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting 0 ionizing radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. This process can result in a change in the atomic number and/or mass number of the nucleus, leading to the formation of a new element. Examples: 1. Alpha Decay: In this type of nuclear decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This results in the formation of a new nucleus with an atomic number that is reduced by two and a mass number that is reduced by four. An example of alpha decay is the decay of uranium-238 to thorium-234. 2. Beta Decay: In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an electron. The electron, which is also known as a beta particle, is then emitted from the nucleus. This results in the formation of a new nucleus with an atomic number that is increased by one and a mass number that remains the same. An example of beta decay is the decay of carbon-14 to nitrogen-14. 3. Gamma Decay: Gamma decay is the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, from an atomic nucleus. Unlike alpha and beta particles, gamma rays do not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus. Gamma decay often occurs following alpha or beta decay as a way for the nucleus to release additional energy. An example of gamma decay is the decay of technetium-99m to technetium-99. 226/08 Ra>/Rn + 4/2 He Answer: 222/86 Rn Explanation: The alpha decay of radium-226 results in the emission of an alpha particle (4/2 He), which is a helium nucleus, and the formation of a new nucleus with an atomic number that is reduced by two and a mass number that is reduced by four. This new nucleus is radon-222. 2. Bela Decay: 14/6C--> 14/7N+/0 Answer: 0/-1e Explanation: The beta decay of carbon-14 results in the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron. The electron, which is a beta particle, is emitted from the nucleus. The new nucleus has an atomic number that is increased by one and a mass number that remains the same. In this case, the new nucleus is nitrogen-14 and the emitted electron has a charge of -1 and a mass number of O. 3. Gamma Decay: 99m/43 Tc --> 99/43 Tc +/gamma Answer: 0/0 gamma Explanation: Gamma decay is the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, from an atomic nucleus Gamma rays do not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus. Technetium-99m deci Regenerate response ugh the emission of gamma