When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the electronic energy levels of the atom ______.

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When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the electronic energy levels of the atom change for $\alpha$ and $\beta$ radioactivity but not for γ-radioactivity. Explanation: Features $\alpha$- particles $\beta$- particles γ-rays 1. Identity Helium nucleus or doubly ionised helium atom (2He4) Fast moving electron (–$\beta$0 or B–) Photons (E.M. waves) 2. Charge + 2e – e Zero 3. Mass 4 mp (mp = mass of proton) = 1.87 $\times$ 10–27 me Massless 4. Equation of decay \ce{_{Z}X^A ->[$\alpha$-decay]} \ce{_{z-2}Y^{A-4} + _{2}He^4} \ce{n_$\alpha$ = A - A^{'}/4} \ce{_{z}X^A -> _{z + 1} Y^A + _{-1}e^0 + {v}} \ce{_{z}y^A ->[n_{$\beta$}] z^' X^A} $\Rightarrow$ n$\beta$ = (2n$\alpha$ = – Z + Z') \ce{_{Z}X^A -> _{Z}X^$\alpha$ + γ} A /3-particle carries one unit of negative charge (– e), an $\alpha$-particle carries 2 units of positive charge (+ 2e) and γ (particle) carries no charge. Hence electronic energy levels of the atom charge for $\alpha$ and $\beta$ decay, but not for γ-decay.

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