1. Alpha Decay:
* Alpha particle (Helium nucleus): This is the primary byproduct, consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
* Daughter nucleus: The original radioactive atom loses an alpha particle, transforming into a new, lighter atom.
2. Beta Decay (Beta-minus decay):
* Beta particle (electron): This is the primary byproduct, emitted from the nucleus.
* Antineutrino: An almost massless particle also emitted during the decay.
* Daughter nucleus: The original atom gains a proton and loses a neutron, changing its identity.
3. Beta Decay (Beta-plus decay):
* Positron (anti-electron): This is the primary byproduct, emitted from the nucleus.
* Neutrino: A nearly massless particle also emitted during the decay.
* Daughter nucleus: The original atom loses a proton and gains a neutron, changing its identity.
4. Gamma Decay:
* Gamma ray (high-energy photon): This is the primary byproduct, emitted as a high-energy electromagnetic wave.
* No change in atomic number or mass: Gamma decay does not change the identity of the atom, but it releases energy.
5. Electron capture:
* Neutrino: This is emitted from the nucleus.
* Daughter nucleus: The original atom captures an inner electron, causing a proton to transform into a neutron, changing its identity.
Note: These are just the most common byproducts. In some rare cases, other particles, such as neutrons, can also be emitted during radioactive decay.
