Difference between Alpha decay and Beta decay
There are three types of radioactive emission in the nature alpha decay, beta decay and gamma decay. The alpha decay and beta decay are the types of radioactive emission. Radioactivity is the process in which unstable nuclei spontaneously trying to attain a more stable nuclear status. The Alpha particle is know as the helium-4 nucleus because it consist of two neutrons and two protons bound together and it carry a positive charge. Alpha (α) is the large particle with the less power. Alpha particles have the greatest mass among the three types of radioactive emission. Alpha decay is not explain by classical mechanics it is explained by quantum mechanics. Beta particles (β) are smaller in size but they have high power than the alpha particles and they carry a negative charge. There are three types of beta decay. Beta negative decay, Beta positive decay and electron capture. The spectrum of beta decay in the binding energy graph has continues nature. The difference between alpha decay and beta decay is as follows.
Alpha decay | Beta decay |
1) When nuclei having large number of nucleons emit alpha particle in order to achieve more stability this process is know as alpha decay.
2) The alpha decay is occur due to the short range of nuclear force. 3) Alpha particles have the greatest mass among the three types of radioactive emission. 4) Alpha particles have greatest mass but they have less penetrating power. 5) Alpha decay is occur inside the nucleus only. 6) Alpha decay is of single type. |
1) Inside the nucleus proton is converted into neutron and vice versa and eject a particle called beta particle this process is know as beta decay.
2) The beta decay is occur due to the weak force. 3) The beta particles have not the largest mass among the three types of radioactive emission. 4) Beta particles are smaller in size but they have high penetrating power. 5) Beta decay is occur inside the nucleus or in free space. 6) Beta decay is of three types. |