# Radioactive substances can decay by emitting different types of radiation. Describe the differences between beta decay and gamma emission in terms of what is released and what happens to the nucleus in each case.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 3.5 Nuclear decay · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (fast-moving electron) from the nucleus
2. In beta decay a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton (so the atomic/proton number increases by 1)
3. Gamma emission involves the release of a high-frequency electromagnetic wave / high-energy electromagnetic radiation
4. During gamma emission there is no change to the proton number or mass number of the nucleus
5. Gamma emission occurs when the nucleus loses excess energy (nucleus moves from a higher energy state to a lower energy state / nucleus becomes more stable)

## Key terms

- [beta decay](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/beta-decay)
- [gamma emission](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gamma-emission)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/radioactive-substances-can-decay-by-emitting-f8c71fac) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.