GCSE Physics (AQA)

346 videos | 23 hours

Gamma & Neutron Decay Equations

Please subscribe to watch this video.

This, and all other videos, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos.

Atomic structure Atoms and nuclear radiation

Gamma & Neutron Decay Equations

4:03 Decay Equations
Spec 4.4.2.1 4.4.2.2
Previous Beta Decay Equations Next Random Nature of Radioactive Decay
  • During gamma decay, the nucleus does not lose or gain protons or neutrons.
  • Gamma decay occurs in nuclei with excess energy, often following another type of decay.
  • Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation with no mass and no charge.
  • The nucleus only loses energy during gamma decay; atomic and mass numbers remain unchanged.
  • In atomic notation, A is the mass number (total protons and neutrons), Z is the atomic number (protons), and X represents the element.
  • Gamma decay is represented in nuclear equations with a gamma symbol, having a mass and atomic number of zero.
  • Gamma decay equations focus on energy change rather than changes in atomic or mass numbers.
  • Neutron decay is another type of nuclear decay where a neutron is emitted, typically from large, unstable nuclei.
  • Neutron decay results in a smaller, more stable nucleus with fewer particles.
  • Neutron emission is rare and usually occurs when the reaction is induced.
  • Neutrons are penetrating and can damage tissues, though they are not ionizing.
  • In neutron decay, the mass number decreases by one, but the atomic number remains unchanged.
  • A neutron has a mass of one and no protons; the new nucleus remains the same element.
  • Example of neutron decay: Beryllium-13 emits a neutron, resulting in Beryllium-12.
  • Steps to write a nuclear equation for neutron decay:
  • 1. Write the initial element in atomic notation.
  • 2. Subtract one from the mass number.
  • 3. Deduce the new nucleus's atomic notation and write the full nuclear equation.

Please subscribe to access these revision notes.

This, and all other video notes, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos and revision notes.