Question

An atom of an element can change into an atom of another element if it is:

A. extremely stable
B. radioactive and it's nucleus can trap or emit particles
C. an ion and it's atomic number is larger than it's mass number
D. an isotope and it has more electrons than neutrons

Answer 1

An atom of one element can change into an atom of another through radioactive decay when it is radioactive and emits or absorbs particles, leading to transmutation. This change is unrelated to the atom's stability or whether it is an ion or isotope.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change of an atom of one element into an atom of another element occurs when the atom is radioactive and its nucleus can emit or trap particles. This process is known as radioactive decay and can lead to the transformation of one element into another, a process known as transmutation. Most atomic nuclei that have 84 or more protons are naturally radioactive.

However, elements with less than 84 protons can have both stable and unstable isotopes capable of undergoing nuclear changes. The amount of binding energy per nucleon determines the stability of the nucleus; nuclei with high binding energy are stable, while those with low binding energy may disintegrate in a process known as natural radioactivity. Artificial radioactivity is when scientists cause normally stable nuclei to react by smashing particles together.

Answer 2

B. radioactive and it's nucleus can trap or emit particles

Step-by-step explanation:

Each element is unique because of the number of protons it possesses. All the atoms of one particular element will have same amount of protons. Thus, if I want to change an atom of an element into atom of another element, i must have a way to mess with the proton count and such. These are seen in radioactive process like fusion, fission, nuclear decay etc.