In nuclear reactions, what particles are typically involved in radioactivity?

In nuclear reactions, the primary particles involved in radioactivity are protons and neutrons, which together make up the atomic nucleus. When a nucleus undergoes decay, it may emit various forms of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles (which can include electrons or positrons), and gamma rays.

Protons and neutrons are integral to understanding nuclear stability and the processes that lead to radioactive decay. The balance between these two types of nucleons determines the stability of an isotope. When there is an imbalance (such as too many protons), the nucleus may emit particles to reach a more stable configuration.

Electrons, while they can be involved in certain forms of decay (such as beta decay), are not part of the nucleus and don't directly contribute to the nuclear reactions the way protons and neutrons do. Therefore, it’s the presence of protons and neutrons, rather than electrons alone, that fundamentally drives the behavior of radioactive materials. This detail illustrates why protons, neutrons, and electrons collectively are appropriate in identifying the particles typically involved in nuclear reactions.