What happens to the mass number and atomic number in gamma decay?
Correct answer: C. Both remain unchanged
- A. Both increase
- B. Both decrease
- C. Both remain unchanged
- D. Mass number decreases, atomic number increases
Explanation
Gamma decay involves the emission of a high-energy photon from an excited nucleus, releasing energy without altering the number of protons (atomic number) or nucleons (mass number).
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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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