How can the nucleus of an atom change?
1 Answer
The nucleus of an atom can change by alpha emission, beta or positron decay, and electron capture.
Explanation:
Alpha emission
A nucleus can become more stable by emitting an α particle.
Another example:
Beta decay
A nucleus can become more stable by having a neutron change to a proton and emitting an electron (a β particle ) and an antineutrino.
Another example:
Positron decay
A nucleus can become more stable by having a neutron change to a proton and emitting a
Another example:
Electron capture
A nucleus can become more stable by capturing an electron from an inner orbital.
This changes a proton to a neutron and simultaneously emits an electron neutrino.
Another example: