2. Electromagnetic Spectrum of Radiation

6. Beta Emission –Problem: –Problem: carbon-14 is a beta emitter. When it undergoes beta emission, into what element is it converted? –Solution: –Solution: it is converted into nitrogen-14

7. Gamma Emission In pure gamma emission, there is no change in either the atomic number or the mass number of the element –a nucleus in a higher-energy state emits gamma radiation as it returns to its ground state (its most stable energy state) –in this example, the notation “11m” indicates that the nucleus of boron-11 is in a higher-energy (excited) state. In this nuclear decay, no transmutation takes place.

8. Alpha Emission alpha emission:alpha emission: a type of nuclear decay in which a helium nucleus is emitted from the nucleus –in alpha emission, the new element formed has an atomic number two units lower and a mass number four units lower than the original nucleus.