Question detail
What is emitted during alpha decay?
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. A high-speed electron
- B. A helium nucleus
- C. Electromagnetic radiation
- D. Neutrons
Answer
A helium nucleus
Explanation
Alpha decay involves the emission of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Alpha Decay Representation
Students often confuse the representation of alpha decay by not correctly identifying the emitted particles and their effects on mass and atomic numbers in the nuclear equation.
To fix this, students should practice writing nuclear equations for alpha decay, ensuring they decrease the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2, while correctly representing the emitted helium nucleus.
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