A nuclear decay reaction that results when a nucleus in an excited state releases energy in the form of a high energy photon when it returns to the ground state is called _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gamma emission is the process of a nucleus releasing energy in the form of a high energy photon when it returns from an excited state to the ground state. Alpha decay, beta decay, and positron emission all involve the emission of particles, not photons. Spontaneous fission involves the splitting of a nucleus into two smaller nuclei, and does not necessarily involve the release of a high energy photon.

A Nuclear Decay Reaction That Results When a Nucleus in an Excited