Question

When a radioactive isotope releases an alpha particle, the atomic number of the atom is

decreased by two.
decreased by four.
increased by two.
increased by four.

Answer 1

the atomic number of the atom will be decreased by two

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is decreased by two.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alpha particle is emitted when a radioactive isotope undergoes alpha decay process. In this process a heavier particle decays into a lighter particle with the release of alpha particle. The alpha particle carries a mass of 4 units and a charge of +2 units.

The atomic number of the atom gets reduced by 2 units and atomic mass of the same atom gets reduced by 4 units.

The equation representing alpha decay process is:

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

Hence, the correct answer is decreased by two.