- Also known as Radioactivity:
- Alpha Particles:
- When the atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (Helium nucleus) and decays (transforms) into an atom
- Mass number is reduced by 4
- Atomic number is reduced by 2
- Beta Particles:
- When a proton is transformed into a neutron OR when a neutron is transformed into a proton
- The process allows the atom to move closer to the optimal ratio of protons and neutrons
- Gamma Rays:
- Refers to the electromagnetic radiation of extremely high frequency and consists of high energy
- Ionizing Radiation
- Biologically Hazardous
- Alpha Particles: