Difference between Alpha decay and Gamma decay

Difference between Alpha decay and Gamma decay

There are three types of radioactive emission in the nature alpha decay, gamma decay and beta decay. The alpha decay and gamma 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 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. In gamma decay no particles are ejected from the nucleus when it undergoes this type of decay but a high energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation a gamma ray photon is released. Gamma rays are nothing but the photons having extremely high energy. gamma radiations are unique because during the decay it does not change the structure or composition of the atom.

                         Alpha decay                            Gamma 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) In alpha decay process it forms new element with two protons and two neutrons.

3) Alpha particles have greatest mass but they have very less penetrating power.

4) Alpha particles have the positive charge.

5) In alpha decay high speed helium nuclei are present.

6) Alpha rays are deflected by the electric and magnetic field.

 

1) In gamma decay no particles are ejected from the nucleus when it undergoes this type of decay but a high energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation a gamma ray photon is released.

2) In gamma decay process it forms no new element.

3) Gamma particles have not the greatest mass but they have very large penetrating power.

4) Gamma particles have neutral charge.

5) In beta decay high speed electro magnetic radiation are present.

6) Gamma rays are not deflected by the electric and magnetic field.

Updated: February 22, 2022 — 4:02 pm

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