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A nuclear transformation is a process in which the composition of an atomic nucleus changes, often leading to the conversion of one element into another. This can be achieved through various nuclear reactions like radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion.

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous nuclear transformation where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. There are several types of radioactive decay: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. 1. Alpha decay: In this process, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) and transforms into a new element with a lower atomic number and mass number. Example: \(^{238}U \rightarrow ^{234}Th + ^4He\) 2. Beta decay: Beta decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton or vice versa within a nucleus. In beta-minus decay, a neutron turns into a proton and emits an electron and an antineutrino. Example: \(^{14}C \rightarrow ^{14}N + e^- + \bar{\nu}_e\) 3. Gamma decay: Gamma decay occurs when a nucleus emits high-energy photons called gamma rays without a change in its composition. This often follows alpha or beta decay when the daughter nucleus is in an excited state. Example: \(^{99}mTc \rightarrow ^{99}Tc + \gamma\)

Nuclear fission is a nuclear transformation in which a heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei with the release of energy, neutrons, and other particles. Fission can be induced by bombarding the target nucleus with a neutron. Example: \(^{235}U + n \rightarrow ^{141}Ba + ^{92}Kr + 3n\)

Nuclear fusion is a nuclear transformation in which two lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy (usually in the form of photons). This process occurs in stars, where hydrogen atoms under high temperature and pressure fuse into helium. Example: \(^{2}H + ^{3}H \rightarrow ^{4}He + n\)