Question 1
Question detail
In a nuclear equation representing alpha decay, how does the mass number change?
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 4
- B. It decreases by 4
- C. It remains unchanged
- D. It decreases by 2
Answer
The correct answer is B: It decreases by 4.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: It decreases by 4. This supports the learning objective "Represent alpha decay using a nuclear equation." 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 4; It remains unchanged; It decreases by 2.
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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