Which statement best describes alpha decay?(1 point) Responses After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is two less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is a type of nuclear fission. After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is two less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is a type of nuclear fission. After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is four less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is a type of nuclear fission. After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is four less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is a type of nuclear fission. After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is four less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is not a type of nuclear fission. After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is four less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is not a type of nuclear fission. After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is two less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is not a type of nuclear fission.

1 answer

The correct statement is:

"After the ejection of an alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a mass number that is four less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is not a type of nuclear fission."

Alpha decay involves the ejection of an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons), leading to a decrease in the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2. Additionally, alpha decay is not classified as a type of nuclear fission; rather, it is a type of radioactive decay.