Question
Why does the emission of an alpha particle always result in transmutation?. (1 point)
The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.
The atom is converted to helium.
Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.
The number of protons in the atom changes.
The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.
The atom is converted to helium.
Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.
The number of protons in the atom changes.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is: **The number of protons in the atom changes.**
When an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from a nucleus, the original atom loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This change in the number of protons alters the atomic number of the element, resulting in the formation of a different element—this process is known as transmutation.
When an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from a nucleus, the original atom loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This change in the number of protons alters the atomic number of the element, resulting in the formation of a different element—this process is known as transmutation.