When a target nucleus is bombarded by an appropriate beam of particles, it is possible to produce
A) a more massive nucleus, but not a less massive one.
B) a less massive nucleus, but not a more massive one.
C) a nucleus with either greater or smaller atomic number.
D) a nucleus with smaller atomic number, but not one with a greater atomic number.
E) a nucleus with greater atomic number, but not one with a smaller atomic number.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bombarding a target nucleus with particles can lead to nuclear reactions that either add particles to the nucleus, producing a more massive nucleus with a greater atomic number, or cause it to split or lose particles, resulting in a less massive nucleus with a smaller atomic number.

When a Target Nucleus Is Bombarded by an Appropriate Beam