Sure, I can explain the four types of nuclear decay and provide a model for each using Si-32 as an example.
Si-32 is a radioactive isotope of Silicon with 14 protons and 18 neutrons.
1. Alpha Decay:
In alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, reducing the atomic number by two and the mass number by four. This makes the resulting nucleus a different element.
Model: Si-32 → alpha particle + Mg-28
Explanation: Si-32 decays into an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) and becomes Mg-28.
2. Beta Decay:
In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron. The proton stays in the nucleus, and the electron is emitted as a beta particle. This increases the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number the same.
Model: Si-32 → beta particle + P-32
Explanation: Si-32 decays into a beta particle (an electron) and becomes P-32.
3. Gamma Decay:
Gamma decay occurs when an unstable nucleus emits high-energy photons called gamma rays. Unlike alpha and beta decay, gamma decay does not change the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus.
Model: Si-32 → Si-32 + gamma ray
Explanation: Si-32 emits a gamma ray but remains Si-32.
4. Electron Capture:
In electron capture, an unstable nucleus absorbs an electron from an inner shell, converting a proton into a neutron. This reduces the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number the same.
Model: Si-32 + electron → Al-32
Explanation: Si-32 captures an electron and becomes Al-32.
These four types of nuclear decay can occur in radioactive isotopes, and they result in a change in the atomic number and/or mass number of the nucleus.