Radioactive Decay — Alpha, Beta and Gamma

This lesson covers the three types of nuclear radiation — alpha ($\alpha$α), beta ($\beta$β) and gamma ($\gamma$γ) — their properties, how they are emitted, and how they affect the nucleus. This is part of the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy specification (8464, section 6.4.2).

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What Is Radioactive Decay?

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus gives out radiation to become more stable. It is:

• Random — you cannot predict when a particular nucleus will decay.
• Spontaneous — it happens on its own without any external trigger.

The rate of decay is not affected by external conditions such as temperature, pressure or chemical reactions.

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Types of Nuclear Radiation