A certain radioactive nuclide of mass number 'x' decays by β-emission and α-emission to a second nuclide of mass number 't'. Which of the following correctly relates 'x' and 't'?
Correct answer: A. x = t + 4
- A. x = t + 4
- B. x = t - 4
- C. x - 3 = t
- D. x - 1 = t
Explanation
x-4 = tx = t + 4x = t + 4: This option suggests that the initial nuclide with mass number 'x' decays by β-emission and α-emission, resulting in a final nuclide with mass number 't' that is four units less than the initial nuclide. This option is correct because α-emission results in the loss of an α particle, which has a mass number of 4. Therefore, the mass number of the final nuclide would be four units less than the initial nuclide.
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