NEHA Radiation Protection Practice Exam 2025 - Free Radiation Protection Questions and Study Guide

In a nuclear decay process, a variety of radiation types can be emitted, and this encompasses alpha particles, beta particles, and X-rays.

Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, and they are emitted from heavy, unstable nuclei during alpha decay. This type of emission occurs when an atom needs to reduce its mass and achieve stability.

Beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons, are emitted during beta decay. This type of decay happens when a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton (or vice versa), thus altering the atomic number and leading to the emission of a beta particle.

X-rays may also be generated during nuclear decay processes, particularly when excited states of nuclei or electrons transition to lower energy states following the decay. These transitions can result in the emission of electromagnetic radiation, which is known as X-rays.

Given that each of these types of radiation can be produced during different types of nuclear decay, the most comprehensive answer is that all of the above radiation types—alpha particles, beta particles, and X-rays—can be emitted during a nuclear decay process.