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Question

When a nucleus with atomic number Z and mass number A undergoes a radioactive decay process,

(1) Both Z and A will decrease, if the process is α decay.
(2) Z will decrease, but A will not change, if the process is β+ decay.
(3) Z will increase, but A will not change, if the process is β decay.
(4) Z and A will remain unchanged, if the process is γ decay.

A
1 & 2 are true
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B
3 & 4 are true
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C
1,2 & 3 are true
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D
All are true
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Solution

The correct option is D All are true
α decay is characterized by emission of α particle (2He4). So, A decreases by 4 and Z decreases by 2.

β+ decay is characterized by emission of positron, when a proton inside the nucleus converts into neutron. So, A remains the same and Z decreases by 1.

β decay is characterized by emission of electron, when a neutron inside the nucleus converts into proton.
So, A remains the same and Z increases by 1.

When a radioactive decay occurs, the daughter nuclei might form in its excited state, and when it jumps to ground state, γ radiations are emitted. This is called γ decay. So, there will be no change in Z and A.

Therefore, all the four statements are true.

Hence, option (D) is correct.
Why this Question ?

To know the basic definition about α, β,γ and β+decay.


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