Which type of radiation-alpha,beta,or gamma-results in the greatest change in atomic mass number?
A)alpha radiation
B)beta radiation
C)gamma radiation
D)They all result in the same change in atomic mass number.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium nuclei from the nucleus of an atom. As helium has a mass of 4 atomic mass units (amu), the emission of an alpha particle results in a decrease of 4 in the atomic mass number of the nucleus. In contrast, beta radiation involves the emission of electrons (beta particles) or positrons (positive beta particles), which do not significantly affect the atomic mass. Gamma radiation, which is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation, does not involve the emission of particles and does not cause any change in the atomic mass number. Therefore, alpha radiation results in the greatest change in atomic mass number.

Which Type of Radiation-Alpha,beta,or Gamma-Results in the Greatest Change in Atomic