During alpha decay, what is emitted from the nucleus?

During alpha decay, what is emitted from the nucleus?

• A. A proton
• B. A neutron
• C. An alpha particle
• D. A gamma ray

Answer: (C)

In alpha decay, the nucleus ejects a small, heavy cluster called an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium-4 nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Losing these two protons and two neutrons lowers the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, transforming the original element into a lighter one. The alpha particle is the actual piece that leaves the nucleus. Gamma rays can sometimes be emitted as the daughter nucleus relaxes after the decay, but they are not the emitted fragment in this process. Protons or neutrons would represent different types of decay, not the specific alpha decay described here.

In alpha decay, the nucleus ejects a small, heavy cluster called an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium-4 nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Losing these two protons and two neutrons lowers the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, transforming the original element into a lighter one. The alpha particle is the actual piece that leaves the nucleus. Gamma rays can sometimes be emitted as the daughter nucleus relaxes after the decay, but they are not the emitted fragment in this process. Protons or neutrons would represent different types of decay, not the specific alpha decay described here.