Types of Nuclear Radiation

Steps:

• Identify that unstable nuclei decay to become stable, emitting radiation.
• Recall alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (two protons, two neutrons).
• Note beta radiation involves electrons or positrons from neutron-proton conversion.
• Recognize gamma radiation as high-energy electromagnetic waves released after alpha or beta decay.

Why A is correct:

• Radioactive decay law states unstable nuclei emit alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays to achieve stability.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Omits gamma rays, which accompany many decays for energy release.
• C: Ignores alpha and beta, the primary particle emissions in nuclear decay.
• D: X-rays originate from electron transitions, not nuclear instability; gamma rays alone are incomplete.

Final answer: A