Which particles are typically emitted during radioactive decay?

During radioactive decay, unstable atomic nuclei release energy and particles as they transform into more stable configurations. The types of particles commonly emitted during this process include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons (essentially a helium nucleus) and are emitted by heavy nuclei during alpha decay. This form of decay occurs in larger, heavy elements as they seek a more stable nuclear configuration.

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons, or positrons, emitted from a nucleus during beta decay. This process occurs when a neutron is transformed into a proton (or vice versa), allowing the nucleus to adjust its number of protons and neutrons to reach stability.

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus following other types of decay (e.g., alpha or beta decay). Gamma decay typically accompanies the other decay processes as the nucleus loses energy and transitions to a lower energy state.

The combination of these three forms of emission—alpha, beta, and gamma—encompasses the primary ways that radioactive decay occurs, making this choice the comprehensive and correct answer.