A naturally occurring radioactive element decays into two alpha particles. Which one of the following represents the status of the daughter element concerning the mass number 'A' and charge number 'Z'?
Correct answer: C. 'Z' decreases by 4 and 'A' decreases by 8
- A. 'Z' decreases by 4 and 'A' decreases by 2
- B. 'Z' decreases by 2 and 'A' decreases by 4
- C. 'Z' decreases by 4 and 'A' decreases by 8
- D. 'Z' decreases by 8 and 'A' decreases by 4
Explanation
Alpha particle has 2 neutrons and 2 protons, thus alpha decay causes. the decrease of mass number by 4 and proton number by 2. One alpha decay causes the decrease of mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2. Two alpha decays thus causes the decrease of mass number by 8 and decrease of atomic number by 4.It is numerical and can have only one possible answer.
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Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.
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