In nuclear decay, does the nucleus lose mass when emitting gamma radiation?

Question

I know that mass is lost during alpha and beta decay, but what about gamma?

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Answer 1 · 2017-11-02T22:01:37

Only a truly tiny amount, as #E = m.c^2#

A gamma ray of 5 MeV (fairly typical) carries about #8xx10^-13# J of energy.

That is equivalent to about #10^-29# kg or 0.01% of a typical nucleus’ mass.

NB not used a calculator! Just an estimate!!