Questions: What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay? a) It can increase or decrease, depending on the atom b) It always decreases, since two neutrons are expelled from the nucleus c) It always increases, since two neutrons are expelled from the nucleus d) It always decreases, since two protons are expelled from the nucleus

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?
a) It can increase or decrease, depending on the atom
b) It always decreases, since two neutrons are expelled from the nucleus
c) It always increases, since two neutrons are expelled from the nucleus
d) It always decreases, since two protons are expelled from the nucleus

Transcript text: What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay? a) It can increase or decrease, depending on the atom b) It always decreases, since two neutrons are expelled from the nucleus c) It always increases, since two neutrons are expelled from the nucleus d) It always decreases, since two protons are expelled from the nucleus

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle. An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which is essentially a helium-4 nucleus.

Step 2: Effect on Atomic Number

When an alpha particle is emitted, the original nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The loss of 2 protons directly affects the atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus.

Step 3: Determining the Change in Atomic Number

Since the atomic number is defined by the number of protons, and 2 protons are expelled during alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2.