A radioactive isotope 'W' decays to 'X' which decays to 'Y' and 'Y' decays to 'Z' as represented by the figure below. 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 emitts beta radiations, it results in increase of +1 in atomic charge .Further when X emitts alpha radiation it results in decrease of atomic charge by 2 .Then further when Y emiits alpha radiations it results in decrease of atomic charge by further 2 .Therefore, from original atomic charge of W , there was a decrease of total 3 in atomic charge. Lets assume atomic charge of W was 90 (refer to the image below)
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About Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is the spontaneous transformation of unstable nuclei, described by decay constant, activity, half life and the exponential decay law. Work includes alpha, beta and gamma emissions, decay equations and remaining nuclei, with half life distinguished from the time required for complete decay.
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