Question

An isotope undergoes radioactive decay. The new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotope’s.
Which kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?
alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass
beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge
alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons
gamma decay because gamma rays are photons

Answer 1

Answer: C

alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons

Explanation:

Answer 2

It is an alpha decay because when this phenomena occurs an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and consequentially decays into another atom with a mass number that is reduced by four an atomic number that is reduced by 2 two. The helium atom consists of two protons and two neutrons.

Therefore, the answer is alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons