2. Alpha Decay A Helium- 4 nucleus (two protons and two neutrons). Is produced by nuclear fission Massive nucleus breaks apart into two less-massive nuclei (one of them the alpha particle). Has a positive charge Has the mass of 2 protons and 2 neutrons

3. Beta Decay Emerges from a weak decay process. 1 neutron inside an atom decays to produce a proton and the beta electron. Has a negative charge. Changes the nuclear count of the atom. 1 neutron becomes a proton (electron is given off)

4. Gamma Decay Is a photon. Is produced when a massive nucleus (produced by fission) relaxes from the excited state to its resting state. No particles given off (only energy) No mass

5. Example of Radioactive Decay

6. Symbols Alpha: α Beta: β Gamma: γ

8. Electromagnetic Spectrum