Final answer:
For beta decay, the change in the nucleus is the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron. Alpha decay increases the atomic number by two and decreases the atomic weight by four. Gamma ray absorption doesn't result in a change in the nucleus. The release of a neutron decreases the atomic weight by one unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in the nucleus that results from the emission of a beta particle is the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron. The atomic number increases by one while the atomic weight stays the same. This process is often accompanied by gamma radiation.
The capture of an alpha particle results in the increase of the atomic number by two and a decrease in the atomic weight by four. For example, the decay of uranium-238 to thorium involves the emission of an alpha particle.
The absorption of a gamma ray doesn't result in a change in the atomic number or atomic weight of the nucleus. Gamma rays are high-energy photons that are released when a nucleus transitions to a more stable state.
The release of a neutron doesn't result in a change in the atomic number, but it does decrease the atomic weight of the nucleus by one unit.