A radioactive isotope 'W' decays to 'X' by beta emission which decays to 'Y' by alpha emission and 'Y' decays to 'Z' by alpha emission.What is the change in the atomic number from 'W' to 'Z'?
Correct answer: C. Decrease by 3
- A. Increase by 3
- B. Increase by 5
- C. Decrease by 3
- D. Decrease by 5
Explanation
When W emits beta radiations, it results in increase of +1 in atomic charge . Further when X emits alpha radiation, it results in decrease of atomic charge by 2 . Then further when Y emits alpha radiations, it results in decrease of atomic charge by further 2. Therefore, from the original atomic charge of W, there was a decrease of a total of 3 in atomic charge.
Last updated
About Nuclear Physics
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.
Practise Nuclear Physics
1,254 free Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.