Question

What happens to the mass number and the atomic number of an element when it emits gamma radiation? Group of answer choices

a.The mass number remains unchanged while the atomic number increases by one.
b.The mass number increases by four and the atomic number increases by two.
c.The mass number and atomic numbers remain unchanged. The mass number remains unchanged while the atomic number decreases by one.
d.The mass number decreases by four and the atomic number decreases by two.

Answer 1

The mass number and the atomic number remain unchanged

Step-by-step explanation:

Gamma rays are one of the rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. In fact, they have the shortest wavelength and the highest penetrating power in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are also an important component to discuss when learning about radioactivity.

They are one of the 3 main radiation emisssions alongside alpha and beta particles. While alpha and beta particles affect either the atomic or mass number or both, the gamma ray radiation does not affect any of this. They simply leave the nuclei unchanged. They only show that radiation has taken effect and most times are like an extra radiation term alongside alpha and better particles.

When a radioactive source emit gamma rays, they do so without a change in either their atomic mass and their mass number