Answer to Question #179910 in Physics for Julia

Question

A nucleus decays by first emitting a beta particle, followed by an alpha particle, and then a second beta particle. You can say the following about the remaining element:

(a) It is an isotope of a new element.

(b) It is an isotope of the original element.

(c) It has the same number of nucleons as it had at the start.

(d) It has more nucleons than it had at the start.

Answer 1

A beta particle consists of an election, and an alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons.

Since the nucleus has loosed protons, it became a new element. Thus, the right answer is (a).

Answer. (a) It is an isotope of a new element.