Why does the emission of an alpha particle always result in transmutation?(1 point)

Responses

The number of protons in the atom changes.
The number of protons in the atom changes.

Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.
Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.

The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.
The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.

The atom is converted to helium.
The atom is converted to helium.

1 answer

The correct response 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 leads to the formation of a new element, resulting in transmutation.