In: Physics
Why does emission of an alpha and beta particle change the nucleus of an atom but gamma decay leaves it unchanged?
The alpha and beta emissions alters the internal configuration of atom i.e these decays change the neutrons and protons of parent atom. So end product is a different atom . Sometimes, after alpha or beta decay the daughter nucleus is left in excited state. So it emits gamma photons to get back to ground state. It does not change internal configuration of atom.
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