Which of these changes occurs in the nucleus during an alpha decay?
A)The mass number decreases by 4, and the atomic number decreases by 2.
B)The mass number does not change, but the atomic number changes.
C)The mass number changes, but the atomic number does not change.
D)Neither the mass number nor the atomic number changes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During alpha decay, an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus. This results in the mass number decreasing by 4 (due to the loss of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) and the atomic number decreasing by 2 (due to the loss of 2 protons).

Which of These Changes Occurs in the Nucleus During an Alpha