Question

What happens to the position of an element in the periodic table when its nucleus emits (a) an $\alpha -particle$,(b) $a\beta -particle$ and (c) $\gamma$ radiation?
Give the reason for your answer.

Answer 1

During an $\alpha$ decay, atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 2 units. So, the nucleus shifts to the left in the periodic table.

During an $\beta$ decay, atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1 units. So, the nucleus shifts to the right in the periodic table.

During $\gamma$ radiation, Atomic number of the nucleus remains the same. So, the position of the nucleus remains the same in the periodic table.