☢️Alpha decay vs Beta decay⚡
Unstable atomic nuclei shed energy through radioactive decay. Alpha and beta decay are two of the main ways they do it.
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☢️Alpha decay
- ✓Emits an alpha particle, a helium nucleus
- ✓The atomic number drops by two
- ✓Produces a relatively large, slow, heavy particle
- ✓Stopped easily, even by a sheet of paper
- ✓Common in very heavy elements like uranium
⚡Beta decay
- ✓Emits a beta particle, a fast-moving electron
- ✓The atomic number changes by one
- ✓Produces a small, light, fast particle
- ✓More penetrating, needing aluminum to stop it
- ✓Occurs when a neutron converts into a proton
Verdict
Alpha decay throws out a heavy helium nucleus and is weakly penetrating; beta decay ejects a fast electron and penetrates further. Both move an unstable nucleus toward stability.
Frequently asked
Which radiation is more penetrating?+
Beta particles penetrate further than alpha particles, though both are stopped by modest shielding.
What is an alpha particle made of?+
Two protons and two neutrons — essentially a helium nucleus.
What happens to the atomic number in beta decay?+
It increases by one as a neutron converts into a proton.
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