When the nucleus of an atom emits only a gamma ray, the atom's atomic number
A)decreases.
B)remains unchanged.
C)increases.

Name: When the nucleus of an atom emits only a gamma ray, the atom's atomic number A)decreases. B)remains unchanged. C)increases.
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Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The emission of a gamma ray does not affect the number of protons, which is the defining characteristic of the element and its atomic number. Therefore, the atomic number remains the same.

When the Nucleus of an Atom Emits Only a Gamma