If an atom emits two protons and two neutrons, the atom has
A) created a daughter nucleus from the parent nucleus.
B) emitted an alpha particle.
C) changed the mass and chemical identity of the atom.
D) produced a small amount of helium.
E) all of these are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an atom emits two protons and two neutrons, it indeed creates a daughter nucleus from the parent nucleus, emits an alpha particle (which consists of two protons and two neutrons), changes the mass and chemical identity of the atom (since the number of protons, which determines the element, has changed), and produces a small amount of helium (since a helium nucleus consists of two protons and two neutrons).

If an Atom Emits Two Protons and Two Neutrons, the Atom