Alpha emission results in the loss of 2 neutrons and 2 protons. The mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.
β- emission results in the change of a neutron into a proton and an electron is emitted. The mass number stays the same, but the proton number increases by 1.
β+ emission results in the change of a proton into a neutron and a positron is emitted. The mass number stays the same, but the proton number decreases by 1.
Some proton-rich nuclides can capture an inner shell electron causing the proton to change into a neutron. This is known as electron capture. An electron neutrino is emitted.
β- emission results in the change of a neutron into a proton and an electron is emitted. The mass number stays the same, but the proton number increases by 1.
β+ emission results in the change of a proton into a neutron and a positron is emitted. The mass number stays the same, but the proton number decreases by 1.
Some proton-rich nuclides can capture an inner shell electron causing the proton to change into a neutron. This is known as electron capture. An electron neutrino is emitted.
Gamma radiation is emitted if the nucleus has excess energy after it has emitted an alpha or beta particle.