Question

Why does the emission of an alpha particle always result in transmutation?(1 point) Responses Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom. Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom. The atom is converted to helium. The atom is converted to helium. The protons in the large atom change to neutrons. The protons in the large atom change to neutrons. The number of protons in the atom changes.

Answer 1

The emission of an alpha particle always results in transmutation because the number of protons in the atom changes. When an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus) is emitted, the original atom loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons, changing into a different element. Therefore, the correct response is:

**The number of protons in the atom changes.**