Answer: High energy electromagnetic radiation.
- A Protons emitted from nucleus under typical conditions
- B Electrons from nucleus according to standard textbooks
- C High energy electromagnetic radiation
- D Neutrons in general practice as frequently described
Correct answer: C. High energy electromagnetic radiation
Explanation: Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation (photons) emitted by excited nuclei during gamma decay.
Binding energy per nucleon rises sharply for light nuclei, peaks around iron-56 (the most stable nucleus), then slowly declines for heavier nuclei - which is exactly why fusing light nuclei or splitting heavy nuclei both release energy: each moves the products toward this stability peak.
Concept context
Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and binding energy.