Question

Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?
• The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original
• The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original
• The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original
• The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original

Answer 1

The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.