Which radioactive emission has the smallest (least) mass? question options:
a) positron
b) alpha
c) all have equal mass
d) gamma
e) beta

The answer is D. gamma rays

Explanation:

A radioactive atom can have three different types of emission:

alpha particles (α) = they have a mass of 4 amu and they have a very low penetrating power.

Beta particles (β) = they have 5x amu and they have an intermediate penetrating power

Gamma rays (γ) = they are not particles basically just energy so its mass is ≈ 0 and its penetrating power is higher

For this reason Gamma emissions (γ) has the smallest mass value.

it can be observed without changing the identity of the object.

it depends on what substance you're talking about as well as many other factors. in quantum mechanics, the observation of particles affects the observers ability to measure certain properties. for example: you can know the velocity of a particle, but you can't know it's position; or you can know it's position, but not it's velocity. it's like trying to find out where a grain of sand is by throwing other grains of sand at it. once you find out where it is, it's been moved. it's also like trying to find an answer to the question of whether or not a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. paradoxically, the only way to find out is to be there and hear it.

points

explanation: