Why does gamma emission not change the atomic number of the product?

Video transcript

Hey, everyone were asked why does the atomic number of an isotope remain the same when it undergoes gamma emission first. Let's go ahead and think about what we know about gamma emission. So, as we've learned, gamma mission is defined as a high energy electromagnetic radiation. So this occurs alongside alpha and beta emissions as a mechanism for that energy release. And because of that, it has no mass and no electrical charge. And due to these factors, this won't cause a change in the atomic number. So this is the reason why the atomic number of an isotope remains the same. Now. I hope this made sense. And let us know if you have any questions.