A radioactive isotope of atomic number Z emits an alpha particle,and the daughter nucleus then emits a beta-minus particle.What is the atomic number of the resulting nucleus?
A)Z -1
B)Z + 1
C)Z - 2
D)Z - 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an alpha particle is emitted, the atomic number decreases by 2 (Z - 2). Then, when a beta-minus particle is emitted, the atomic number increases by 1 (Z - 2 + 1 = Z - 1).

A Radioactive Isotope of Atomic Number Z Emits an Alpha