Question detail
What type of radiation is emitted when an unstable nucleus decreases its mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2?
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. Alpha radiation
- B. Beta radiation
- C. Gamma radiation
- D. Neutron radiation
Answer
Alpha radiation
Explanation
Alpha radiation involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, resulting in a decrease of the mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2.
Common mistake
Confusing Radiation Types
Students often confuse the types of radiation emitted based on changes in mass number and atomic number.
To fix this, students should practice identifying the changes in mass and atomic numbers for each type of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma) and relate them to the corresponding nuclear equations.
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