Question Detail

CHM 102 Radioactivity Objective Question
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Question

In alpha (α) decay, how does the mass number of the parent nucleus change?
Options
A It increases by 1
B It remains unchanged
C It is reduced by 4
Correct Answer
D It is reduced by 2
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 12 states: 'In α decay, the atomic mass and atomic number of the parent nucleus are reduced by 4 and 2 respectively in the daughter nucleus.' This is because an alpha particle is a helium nucleus (42He).

Hint

An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons.

Question Info

Course: CHM 102
Topic: Radioactivity
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 1878 of 1999
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