Question

Which type of decay has the greatest mass?

A.
alpha
B. beta
gamma
D.
nuclear

Answer 1

Alpha has the greatest mass- A.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is Option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the given options:

• Option 1: Alpha

Alpha decay is defined as the process in which alpha particle is emitted. In this process, a heavier nuclei decays into a lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released carries a mass of 4 units.

`_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _(Z-2)^(A-4)\textrm{Y}+_2^4\alpha`

• Option 2: Beta

Beta decay is defined as the process in which beta particle is emitted. In this process, a neutron gets converted to a proton and an electron. The beta particle does not have any mass.

`_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _(Z+1)^A\textrm{Y}+_(-1)^0\beta`

• Option 3: Gamma

Gamma decay is defined as the process in which an unstable nuclei gives off excess energy by a spontaneous electromagnetic process and thus releases
`\gamma -radiations`. These radiations does not have any mass.

`_Z^A\textrm{X}^*\rightarrow _Z^A\textrm{X}+_0^0\gamma`

• Option D: Nuclear

Nuclear reactions are defined as the reactions in which change of nucleus takes place.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.