Why does the emission of an

Question

alpha particle always result in
transmutation?. (1 point)
The atom is converted
to helium.
The protons in the
large atom change to
neutrons.
Energy is released
from the nucleus of the
atom.
The number of protons
in the atom changes.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: The number of protons in the atom changes.

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