In which type of radioactive decay does the atomic number of the parent nucleus change?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In all three types of decay mentioned (electron capture, beta decay, and alpha decay), the atomic number of the parent nucleus changes. In electron capture, an electron is absorbed into the nucleus, converting a proton into a neutron and decreasing the atomic number by one. In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one. In alpha decay, the emission of an alpha particle (which contains two protons and two neutrons) decreases the atomic number by two.

In Which Type of Radioactive Decay Does the Atomic Number