Calculating Radioactive Decay (OCR GCSE Physics A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
4.2.6 Calculating Radioactive Decay
Nuclear Equations
Nuclear equations are used to represent radioactive decay.
infoNote
The emission of the different types of nuclear radiation may cause a change in the mass and/or the charge of the nucleus.
Alpha Decay:
- Alpha decay causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease.
Beta Decay:
- Beta decay does not cause the mass of the nucleus to change but does cause the charge of the nucleus to increase.
Gamma Decay:
- Does not cause the mass or charge to change.