Question

What happens to the atomic number of an element when $\gamma$-radiation, is emitted?

• A. It increases by $1$
  
• B. It decreases by $1$
  
• C. It decreases by $2$
  
• D. It remains the same
  

Answer 1

The correct option is D It remains the same

A gamma ray is an electromagnetic wave. It is at the small wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum. A gamma ray has no mass and no charge.

Emitting a gamma ray makes no difference to the mass number or the atomic number but will make the nucleus more stable.