What is the emitted radiation during radioactive decay often characterized by?

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Prepare for the AQA GCSE Physics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The correct answer indicates that the radiation emitted during radioactive decay is characterized by high energy and a neutral charge, which is true for certain types of radiation such as gamma rays. Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during decay, and it possesses very high energy but no mass and no charge.

This characteristic makes gamma radiation capable of penetrating various materials, which distinguishes it from other types of radiation, such as alpha particles (which carry a positive charge and have mass) and beta particles (which have a negative charge). Thus, gamma rays having neutral charge and high energy play a significant role in radioactive decay, allowing them to be identified as the form of radiation that meets the criteria outlined in the correct answer.

Understanding the nature of emitted radiation is essential for grasping concepts related to radioactive decay, the stability of isotopes, and the implications of radiation in both natural and artificial processes.

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