Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.

The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.

The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.

The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.

Answer 1

The best statement that describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus is:

"The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original."

Radioactive decay typically transforms an unstable nucleus into a more stable one, often resulting in a different element due to the emission of particles such as alpha or beta particles.