Which type of radiation-alpha,beta,or gamma-results in the least change in atomic number?
A)alpha radiation
B)beta radiation
C)gamma radiation
D)They all result in the same change in atomic mass number.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gamma radiation does not result in any change in atomic number or mass number as it is simply a high-energy photon. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, so they have an atomic mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2. When an alpha particle is emitted, the atomic number of the parent nucleus decreases by 2. Beta particles are either electrons or positrons, and their emission results in a change in atomic number by 1 (an electron is added or removed). Therefore, gamma radiation results in the least change in atomic number.

Which Type of Radiation-Alpha,beta,or Gamma-Results in the Least Change in Atomic