Gamma emission from a nucleus results in
Correct answer: C. no change in either mass number or atomic number
- A. a change in mass number only
- B. a change in atomic number only
- C. no change in either mass number or atomic number
- D. a change in both
Explanation
A gamma ray carries away energy from an excited nucleus without removing any nucleons, so the nuclide is the same afterwards, simply in a lower energy state. Gamma emission usually follows alpha or beta decay, which often leaves the daughter nucleus excited. It is the nuclear analogue of an atom emitting a photon of light.
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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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