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nuclear decay comparison table

Subject	has definition
alpha decay	Spontaneous emission by a heavier element (such as uranium) of positively charged helium nuclei - alpha particles - comprising 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The result of this radioactive decay is that the original element is very gradually converted into another element, with a decreased atomic number and mass. Alpha particle emission may be simultaneous with beta particle decay.
beta-decay	Spontaneous emission by a heavier element (such as uranium) of negatively charged electrons - beta particles. The result of this radioactive decay is that the original element is very gradually converted into another element. Beta particle emission may be simultaneous with alpha particle decay.
inverse beta-decay	The relatively rare process p + vbar → n + e+. Free-electron capture (e + p → n + v) is sometimes called inverse β-decay in astrophysics.

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