Question detail
How does alpha decay affect the atomic number of an atom?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
- A. It increases by 2
- B. It decreases by 2
- C. It remains unchanged
- D. It increases by 4
Answer
The correct answer is B: It decreases by 2.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: It decreases by 2. This supports the learning objective "Explain that alpha decay decreases mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2." in Nuclear equations because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Nuclear equations idea: It increases by 2; It remains unchanged; It increases by 4.
Common mistake
Common Mistake in Alpha Decay Explanation
Students often state that alpha decay decreases the mass number by 2 and the atomic number by 4.
Remember that alpha decay decreases the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2. Use the correct values when explaining the changes in the nucleus.
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