When an unstable nucleus emits radiation, its mass number and atomic number may change.
The Table shows some of these changes.
Table
| Radiation emitted | Change in mass number | Change in atomic number |
|---|---|---|
| alpha | -4 | -2 |
| beta minus | 0 | |
| beta plus | 0 | |
| gamma | 0 | |
| neutron | 0 |
Complete the Table.
A nucleus emits gamma radiation.
Explain why the nucleus is still the same isotope of the same element.
120 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.3 Nuclear equations and decay, covering 6.3.1 Beta-minus and beta-plus decay, 6.3.2 Effects of decay on the nucleus, and 6.3.3 Balancing nuclear equations. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.