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When an atom releases gamma radiation,

A. the mass number decreases by one.
B. the atomic number decreases by one.
C. the mass number increases by four.
D. the atomic number remains the same.

User Barbarossa
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2 Answers

4 votes
The answer is D. the atomic number remains the same.
User Flethuseo
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5 votes

Answer: The correct answer is Option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gamma radiations are released when an atom undergoes gamma decay. During this decay process, a unstable nuclei gives off excess energy through a spontaneous electromagnetic process and it further releases
\gamma -radiations. The radiations released does not carry any charge and hence are electrically neutral.

Atomic number of the atom going this decay does not change.


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

Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

User Owlness
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