If the parent nucleus has N neutrons and Z protons, after an $\alpha$ decay, the daughter nucleus has respective neutron and proton numbers of
A) N and Z - 1.
B) N and Z + 1.
C) N - 2 and Z - 2.
D) N - 1 and Z - 1.
E) N and Z.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, thus reducing both the neutron and proton numbers by 2 in the daughter nucleus.

If the Parent Nucleus Has N Neutrons and Z Protons α\alphaα

If the Parent Nucleus Has N Neutrons and Z Protons $\alpha$