Radioactivity

The nucleus is the extremely small

The nucleus is the extremely small central core of an atom (10⁻¹⁵ to 10⁻¹⁴ m) containing protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral), collecti

Isotopes have same atomic number but

Isotopes have same atomic number but different mass numbers (e.g., H₁¹, H₁², H₁³). Isobars have same mass number but different atomic numbers (e.g., N

Alpha particles are helium nuclei (He₂⁴

Alpha particles are helium nuclei (He₂⁴ or He²⁺) with mass 6.68×10⁻²⁷ kg, charge +3.2×10⁻¹⁹ C, and speed ~3×10⁷ m/s. They have high ionization power b

Beta particles are fast

Beta particles are fast-moving electrons (e⁻₁⁰) with mass 9.1×10⁻³¹ kg, charge -1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C, and speed ~10⁸ m/s. They have moderate ionization power a

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves (photons)

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves (photons) with zero rest mass, traveling at speed of light (3×10⁸ m/s). They have lowest ionization power but hig