Question

When gamma radiation is released by an atom,

it is the only radiation emitted.

it only ever accompanies beta radiation.

it only ever accompanies alpha radiation.

it usually accompanies beta or alpha radiation.

Answer 1

It depends on what caused the gamma event in the first place.

Strictly speaking, gamma radiation is caused by the de-excitation of the nucleus, so the atomic number (and atomic mass) does not change during a gamma event.

However, the gamma event is usually precipitated by some other event, such as a beta or alpha decay that does change the configuration of the nucleus. An alpha event reduces the atomic number by 2 (and reduces the atomic mass by 4), while the beta event increases the atomic number by 1 (and does not change the atomic mass very much).

Its actually more complex than that, but the answer to the original question is that nothing really happens to the atomic number during a gamma event.

i just copied from here actually,
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_happens_to_the_atomic_number_when_an_isotope_releases_gamma_radiation

Answer 2

Thanks!