Question

In this nuclear reaction, a became a and a(n) was released. What type of decay is this?

1) Alpha decay
2) Beta decay
3) Gamma decay
4) Neutron decay

Answer 1

The type of decay described where an alpha particle is released is called alpha decay, which involves the release of a helium ion and results in a decrease in both the atomic number and atomic mass of the atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the nuclear reaction described, an alpha particle became a and a(n) was released. This type of decay is known as alpha decay. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium ion which consists of two protons and two neutrons from the nucleus of an atom. The atomic number of the atom decreases by two and the atomic mass decreases by four as a result of alpha decay. A typical alpha decay reaction can be represented by the equation 4XANZ → YN-2A-4 + He24, where 4XANZ is the parent nucleus, YN-2A-4 is the daughter nucleus, and He24 is the alpha particle that is emitted.