Question:
When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the atomic number and/or mass number of the atom
When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the atomic number and/or mass number of the atom
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Alpha and beta emission change the composition of the nucleus, while gamma emission only releases energy.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
- do not change for any type of radioactivity.
- change for \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) radiations but not for \(\gamma\) radiation.
- change for \(\alpha\) radiation but not for others.
- change for \(\beta\) radiation but not for others.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Radioactive decay can emit alpha, beta or gamma radiation. We compare how each changes the atomic number \(Z\) and mass number \(A\).
Step 2: Alpha and beta decay
Alpha emission lowers \(Z\) by 2 and \(A\) by 4. Beta emission changes \(Z\) by 1 while \(A\) stays the same.
Step 3: Gamma decay
A gamma ray is a photon released when an excited nucleus drops to a lower energy state. Neither \(Z\) nor \(A\) changes.
Step 4: Compare the options
Numbers change for alpha and beta but not for gamma, which is the second option.
Final Answer:
The numbers change for alpha and beta radiation but not for gamma radiation. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{change for }\alpha\text{ and }\beta\text{ radiations but not for }\gamma\text{ radiation.}} \]
Radioactive decay can emit alpha, beta or gamma radiation. We compare how each changes the atomic number \(Z\) and mass number \(A\).
Step 2: Alpha and beta decay
Alpha emission lowers \(Z\) by 2 and \(A\) by 4. Beta emission changes \(Z\) by 1 while \(A\) stays the same.
Step 3: Gamma decay
A gamma ray is a photon released when an excited nucleus drops to a lower energy state. Neither \(Z\) nor \(A\) changes.
Step 4: Compare the options
Numbers change for alpha and beta but not for gamma, which is the second option.
Final Answer:
The numbers change for alpha and beta radiation but not for gamma radiation. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{change for }\alpha\text{ and }\beta\text{ radiations but not for }\gamma\text{ radiation.}} \]
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