Physics
What happens to the (i) atomic number, (ii) mass number of the nucleus of an element when (a) an α particle, (b) a β particle, and (c) γ radiation, is emitted?
Answer
(i) Atomic number
- When an α particle is emitted atomic number decreases by 2.
- When a β particle is emitted atomic number increases by 1.
- When γ radiation is emitted there is no change in atomic number.
(ii) Mass number
- When an α particle is emitted mass number decreases by 4.
- When a β particle is emitted there is no change in the mass number.
- When a γ radiation is emitted there is no change in the mass number.
Related Questions
State the speed of each of α, β and γ radiations.
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Complete the following sentences:
(a) The mass number and atomic number of an element are not changed when it emits ……………
(b) The atomic number of a radioactive element is not changed when it emits ……………
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