If the nucleus is unstable it can decay in one of three
ways:
(a) by emitting beta particle (a high speed electron or positron)
(b) by emitting an
alpha particle (a helium nucleus)
(c) by emitting a gamma ray (short wavelength
electromagnetic radiation)
Examples of the three methods of decay are:
(a) Beta emission | 9038Sr | decays to | 9039Y | + | 0-1e |
(b) Alpha emission | 22688Ra | decays to | 22286Rn | + | 42He |
(c) Gamma emission | 6027Co | decays to | 6027Co | + | 00γ |