Gamma Decay Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

What is the effect of gamma emission on the mass number and charge of a nucleus?

Neither changes; the nucleus only loses energy.

True or false? When a nucleus emits a gamma ray it turns into a different element.

False. The atomic number is unchanged, so it is still the same element.

What symbol is used for a neutron in a nuclear equation?

$^{1}_{0}\text{n}$

What is the effect of emitting a neutron on the mass number and charge of a nucleus?

Mass number decreases by 1; the charge (atomic number) is unchanged.