Question

2Why does the emission of an alpha particle always result in transmutation

A the number of protons in the atom changes
B the protons in the large atom change to neutrons
C the atom is converted to helium
D energy is released from the nucleus of the atom

3Which phrase describes radioactive decay?
a The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei
b the joining of small nuclei into a larger nucleus
c the triggering of one reaction by the products of another
d the spontaneous emission of radiation

Answer 1

Yes, alpha radiation causes transmutation. When the alpha particle is ejected from the nucleus of the atom in a process called alpha decay, it changes the nuclear makeup of the atom, decreasing the number of protons and neutrons by two each. This changes the element of the atom as well as the mass number of the atom.

These physical masses originate from the nucleus of a radioactive isotope and as a result, their emission from a nucleus results in the make-up of the nucleus itself changing. A changed nucleus essentially results in a new element (or isotope) being formed.

Step-by-step explanation: