Question

What change in the mass number of a nucleus occurs when the nucleus emits an alpha particle? 1. The mass number decreases by 2. The mass number decreases by 4. The mass number increases by 4 The mass number increases by 2.

Answer 1

Alpha particles are respective to the helium-4 ion. Therefore it has a mass of four and a positive charge of two. The correct answer is the mass number increases by 4.

Answer 2

If a nucleus emits an alpha particle, the mass number decreases by 4

What is an alpha particle?

An alpha particle is essentially identical to a helium nucleus. An alpha particle has a mass of four units and a positive charge of two units just as the helium nucleus.

Hence, if a nucleus emits an alpha particle, the mass number decreases by 4 while the atomic number decreases by two.

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