Which statement best describes alpha decay?(1 point)ResponsesAfter 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.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.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 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 four less and an atomic number that is two less, so alpha decay is 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 emission of an alpha particle (which consists of two protons and two neutrons), resulting in a decrease of the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2. Additionally, alpha decay is distinct from nuclear fission, which is a different process involving the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei.