Alpha decay produces a new nucleus whose ________ than those respectively of the original nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During alpha decay, an alpha particle (which is a helium nucleus) is emitted from the nucleus. This means that the atomic number of the new nucleus decreases by 2, since the alpha particle has 2 protons. The mass number also decreases by 4, since the alpha particle has 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Therefore, the correct choice is C, where the atomic number is 2 less and the mass number is 4 less.

Alpha Decay Produces a New Nucleus Whose ________ Than Those