Why does the emission of an alpha particle always result in transmutation?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.
Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.

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

The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.
The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.

The atom is converted to helium.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The number of protons in the atom changes.

When an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, effectively a helium nucleus) is emitted from a nucleus, the original atom loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons, resulting in a change in the atomic number. This change in the number of protons means that the atom is transformed into a different element, leading to transmutation.