Why the gamma rays are emitted along with alpha and beta particles?

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Why the gamma rays are emitted along with alpha and beta particles?

2007-09-17 19:46:27 · 2 answers · asked by dragon 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

2 answers

The nucleus formed by alpha or beta decay is mostly unstable and is in the excited state and has more energy, it comes down to ground state with the emission of that extra energy in the form of gamma rays.
For example Radium decays with the emission of alpha particle to form Radon nucleus, but this nucleus is in excited state and it comes down to ground state by emitting gamma rays of energy 0.18eV

2007-09-17 20:16:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋

Because they are part of the energy released in the reaction.

Doug

2007-09-17 20:17:24 · answer #2 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋