An isotope undergoes radioactive decay. The new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotope's.

Which kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?

alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass

beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge

alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons

gamma decay because gamma rays are photons

Question

Holt

Chemistry

3 March, 07:41

An isotope undergoes radioactive decay. The new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotope's.

Which kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?

alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass

beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge

alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons

gamma decay because gamma rays are photons

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Dante Vazquez · Answer 1

The answer is alpha decay, because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons. If the isotope has an atomic number two less than the original, it lost two protons, the same amount as in an alpha particle.