The radioactive decay mode where the daughter and the parent nuclides are the same element is
A) $\alpha$ decay.
B) $\beta$ decay.
C) $\gamma$ decay.
D) None of the previous responses is valid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In $\gamma$ decay, the nucleus emits a $\gamma$ ray (a high-energy photon), which does not change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the daughter and parent nuclides remain the same element, only moving to a lower energy state.

The Radioactive Decay Mode Where the Daughter and the Parent α\alphaα

The Radioactive Decay Mode Where the Daughter and the Parent $\alpha$