Question

A large atom decays and emits a particle. After the reaction is complete, the atom’s mass has changed substantially. What kind of particle has most likely been emitted?

Answer 1

The answer your looking for is, alpha particle.


Hope this Helps!

Answer 2

Answer: The particles that are emitted are alpha -particles.

Explanation: There are 3 types of particles that can be emitted in the radioactive decay process.

1) Alpha-particles: These particles are released in the reactions which undergo alpha-decay processes. The mass number of these particles is 4 and hence, the atom undergoing this decay will experience a change in its atomic mass.

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

2) Beta-particles: These particles are released in the reactions which undergo beta-minus process. The mass number of these particles is 0 and hence, the atom undergoing this decay will not experience a change in its atomic mass.

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

3) Positron particles: These particles are released in the reactions which undergo beta-plus processes. The mass number of these particles is 0 and hence, the atom undergoing this decay will not experience a change in its atomic mass.

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

Hence, is the large atom decays, only alpha particle will change the atomic mass of that atom.