Which of the following indicates that an alpha particle has been released during radioactive decay of an atom?
A) The identity of the atom does not change.
B) The mass number of the atom decreases by 4.
C) The atomic number of the atom increases by 1
D) The atomic number of the atom decreases by 1.
E) The atomic number of the atom decreases by 4.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an alpha particle is released, the mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2, indicating the emission of a helium nucleus (2 protons and 2 neutrons).

Which of the Following Indicates That an Alpha Particle Has