What you’ll learn5 learning objectivesChoose one objective for a focused lesson, or study the complete topic.5.2.3.1Radioactive decay is a change in an• Know: radioactive decay is a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of α-particles or β-particles and/or γ-radiation; know: these changes are spontaneous and randomSyllabus objective5.2.3.2During α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus• State: during α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus changes to that of a different elementSyllabus objective5.2.3.3Isotopes of an element may be• Know: isotopes of an element may be radioactive due to an excess of neutrons in the nucleus and/or the nucleus being too heavySyllabus objective5.2.3.4Effect of α-decay, β-decay and• Describe the effect of α-decay, β-decay and γ-emissions on the nucleus, including an increase in stability and a reduction in the number of excess neutrons; the following change in the nucleus occurs during β-emission neutron → proton + electronSyllabus objective5.2.3.5Decay equations, using nuclide• Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiationSyllabus objective