Here is the equation for the alpha decay of radon-219 into polonium. Beta decay involves the conversion of a down quark to an up quark. This changes a neutron into a proton plus an electron.

The thicker the substance, the more the radiation is absorbed. Alpha, beta and gamma radiations penetrate materials in different ways. Alpha radiation is the least penetrating. It can be stopped ...

More information: Ryan Abbott et al, QCD Constraints on Isospin-Dense Matter and the Nuclear Equation of State, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.011903 ...