The alpha emission process results in the daughter nucleus differing in what manner from the parent?
A)Atomic mass increases by one.
B)Atomic number decreases by two.
C)Atomic number increases by one.
D)Atomic mass decreases by two.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During alpha decay, an alpha particle (consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus. This results in the atomic number decreasing by 2 because the nucleus loses 2 protons. The atomic mass decreases by 4 because the nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Therefore, the daughter nucleus differs from the parent by having a lower atomic number by 2.

The Alpha Emission Process Results in the Daughter Nucleus Differing