During an encounter with an atom alpha particle knocks out ______________?

Correct answer: B. Electrons

  • A. Protons
  • B. Electrons
  • C. Neutrons
  • D. Nothing

Explanation

During an encounter, the positively charged alpha particle attracts an atomic electron and can transfer enough energy to remove it from the atom. Protons and neutrons are bound inside the nucleus and are not normally knocked out by an ordinary alpha-particle encounter. The likely trap is option a, confusing ionization with a nuclear reaction.

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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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