A large atom decays and emits a particle. After the reaction is complete, the atom’s mass has changed substantially. What kind of particle has most likely been emitted?
alpha particle
beta particle
positron
photon

alpha particle

Explanation:

Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus is unstable because it has too many protons. The nucleus emits an alpha particle and energy. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, which is actually a helium nucleus. Losing the protons and neutrons makes the nucleus more stable.

Hence, alpha emission means that the nucleus looses four mass units. Loosing four mass units leads to a substantial change in the mass of the nucleus. Hence the daughter nucleus is four mass units less than than the parent.

false

because it does not have the potential to be entirely used up

no statements shown

the atomic number of carbon is six, which means that a carbon atom has six protons. carbon has three naturally occurring isotopes: carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14. which of these statements are true about carbon and its isotopes? select all that appl