An element emits 1 alpha particle, 1 positron, and 3 beta particles. Its atomic number
A) increases by 1.
B) decreases by 2.
C) stays the same.
D) increases by 2.
E) decreases by 1.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An alpha particle emission decreases the atomic number by 2, a positron emission increases it by 1, and each beta particle emission increases it by 1. Therefore, the net change is -2 + 1 + 3 = 2, which means the atomic number stays the same.

An Element Emits 1 Alpha Particle, 1 Positron, and 3