Question detail
What is the effect of alpha decay on the stability 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 makes the atom more unstable
- B. It makes the atom more stable
- C. It has no effect on stability
- D. It depends on the element
Answer
The correct answer is B: It makes the atom more stable.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: It makes the atom more stable. 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 makes the atom more unstable; It has no effect on stability; It depends on the element.
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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