Question detail
Which of the following correctly represents alpha decay in a nuclear equation?
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 nucleus emits a helium nucleus, reducing mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2
- B. A nucleus emits a high-speed electron, leaving mass number unchanged
- C. A nucleus emits electromagnetic radiation without changing mass or atomic number
- D. A nucleus emits a neutron, decreasing the atomic number by 1
Answer
The correct answer is A: A nucleus emits a helium nucleus, reducing mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2.
Explanation
The correct answer is A: A nucleus emits a helium nucleus, reducing mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2. This supports the learning objective "Use isotope notation correctly when writing or interpreting nuclear equations." 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: A nucleus emits a high-speed electron, leaving mass number unchanged; A nucleus emits electromagnetic radiation without changing mass or atomic number; A nucleus emits a neutron, decreasing the atomic number by 1.
Common mistake
Common Mistake in Isotope Notation
Students often confuse the mass number and atomic number when writing isotope notation, leading to incorrect representations of isotopes.
To fix this, remember that the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons, while the atomic number is just the number of protons. Always place the mass number at the top left and the atomic number at the bottom left of the element symbol.
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