Question

$\gamma -$decay takes place

• A. prior to alpha decay.
• B. prior to beta decay.
• C. prior to positron decay.
• D. due to de-excitment of nuclear levels.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

due to de-excitment of nuclear levels.

In gamma decay, a nucleus changes from a higher energy state to a lower energy state through the emission of electromagnetic radiation (photons). The number of protons (and neutrons) in the nucleus does not change in this process, so the parent and daughter atoms are the same chemical element.