What type of radiation is emitted during radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is a process in which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. The types of radiation released during this process can be specifically categorized as alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, which are relatively heavy and positively charged. They are emitted by certain heavy elements like uranium and radium during decay.

Beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons from a nucleus, resulting in a change in the atomic number of the decaying element. This occurs when a neutron transforms into a proton (or vice versa) in an unstable nucleus.

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays, but with a much higher energy. It often accompanies alpha or beta decay, as the nucleus drops to a lower energy state.

The options referring to X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, radio waves, and microwaves are incorrect because these electromagnetic waves do not constitute the emissions resulting from radioactive decay. Thus, the correct identification of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation represents the accurate types of radiation emitted during the decay process.