
In gamma decay excess energy is released from an unstable nucleus without a change in mass number or atomic number.
In the example shown above an isotope of element 66, Dysprosium, emits two gamma rays. Because this emission consists of only electromagnetic radiation and not a particle, the product is the same (albeit in a lower energy state).
The process can be represented in a balanced nuclear reaction using the isotopic symbols:
In the example of U-238 alpha decay seen earlier a gamma ray is also emitted along with the alpha particle. That process could be represented like this:
