Radioactive elements decay over time through nuclear radiation. There are three types of nuclear radiation - alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles have a positive charge and are made of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles are negatively charged and emitted from unstable nuclei. Gamma rays are highly penetrating rays of energy also emitted from unstable nuclei. Each type of radiation differs in its electric charge and ability to penetrate matter.

1. Radioactivity

2. How does an element change
during nuclear decay?
A half- life is the time required for one half of a
sample of a radioisotope to decay. Half-life's can
vary from fractions of a second billions of years.

3. What are the 3 types of
nuclear radiation?
The three type of nuclear radiation include Alpha
particles, Beta particles, and Gamma rays.

4. How do types of nuclear radiation differ
in electric charge?
An alpha particle is a positive charged particles
made up of two protons and two neutrons.
A beta particles in an negative emitted by an
unstable nucleus.
A gamma ray is a penetrating ray of energy
emitted by an unstable nucleus.

5. Describe the penetrating factor of each
common type of radiation
Apha is a positive charge that is made up of two
protons and two neutrons.
Beta is a negative emitted by an unstable nucleus
Gamma ray is a penetrating ray of energy
emitted by an unstable nucleus