The resulting atomic number of an element that emits 1 alpha particle, 1 positron, and 3 beta particles is
A)decreased by 2.
B)decreased by 1.
C)unchanged.
D)increased by 1.
E)increased by 2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An alpha particle emission decreases the atomic number by 2, a positron emission decreases it by 1, and each beta particle emission increases it by 1. Thus, the net change is -2 -1 +3 = 0, leaving the atomic number unchanged.

The Resulting Atomic Number of an Element That Emits 1