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One of the types of radioactive emissions is gamma emission. I understand how the other two types, alpha and beta, help to make the atom more stable. How exactly does gamma emission help to make the atom more stable?

Colin McFaul
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Gummy bears
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2 Answers2

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When a nucleus makes an alpha or beta decay, usually it's left in an excited state. It can make the transition to lower energy state by emitting gamma rays, so in a sense, the atom is more "stable" because the nucleus is in a lower energy state.

I am not sure if this answer your question. Hope it helps.

snowball
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  • I see. So gamma emissions occur only after alpha or beta decay? – Gummy bears Jun 13 '14 at 17:59
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    no, the nucleus could be in an excited state for other reasons, such as having formed by nuclear fusion, or having absorbed a gamma ray previously. – DavePhD Jun 13 '14 at 18:03
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The nucleus has quantized energy levels. The emission of gamma rays is a transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level.

DavePhD
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