Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The resulting nucleus is more 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.

The resulting nucleus is less 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 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 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.

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

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

This statement accurately reflects the process of radioactive decay, where an unstable nucleus undergoes a transformation to form a more stable nucleus, which often results in the production of a different element.