why do not gamma decay effects mass number and atomic number
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Nuclear decay changes the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, and in doing so changes the element.
For example, the alpha decay of uranium-235 changes both the mass number and the atomic number of the element from 235 to 231 and from 92 to 90. The mass number decreases by 4, and the atomic number decreases by 2. This gives rise to the formation of a new element - thorium-231.
If the same element were to undergo beta decay, the mass number would stay the same, and the atomic number would increase by 1, giving neptunium-235.
Gamma decay is the emission of a photon from the nucleus of the atom and since gamma rays are electromagnetic waves, they are pure energy, and have no mass or atomic number. This means that the atomic and mass numbers of the atom do not change, and instead, this mode of decay brings the atom down to a less excited state, as it has less energy.
For example, the alpha decay of uranium-235 changes both the mass number and the atomic number of the element from 235 to 231 and from 92 to 90. The mass number decreases by 4, and the atomic number decreases by 2. This gives rise to the formation of a new element - thorium-231.
If the same element were to undergo beta decay, the mass number would stay the same, and the atomic number would increase by 1, giving neptunium-235.
Gamma decay is the emission of a photon from the nucleus of the atom and since gamma rays are electromagnetic waves, they are pure energy, and have no mass or atomic number. This means that the atomic and mass numbers of the atom do not change, and instead, this mode of decay brings the atom down to a less excited state, as it has less energy.
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Gamma decay occurs due to exitation and de exitation of nucleons(protons and neutrons) within the nucleus.
Here the excess energy present (usually due to á/â decays) is just getting released.So, there is no change in mass.
In case of á decay, 2 protons and 2 neutrons leave the nucleus.
In â decay, one neutron is converted to an electron and proton. This increase proton number and hence atomic number
Here the excess energy present (usually due to á/â decays) is just getting released.So, there is no change in mass.
In case of á decay, 2 protons and 2 neutrons leave the nucleus.
In â decay, one neutron is converted to an electron and proton. This increase proton number and hence atomic number
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