which change occurs when an atom undergoes alpha decay?\nthe nucleus loses mass and a new element is…

which change occurs when an atom undergoes alpha decay?\nthe nucleus loses mass and a new element is produced.\nthe nucleus gains a proton and a new element is produced.\nthe nucleus loses energy and remains the same element.\nthe nucleus loses a neutron and remains the same element.

which change occurs when an atom undergoes alpha decay?\nthe nucleus loses mass and a new element is produced.\nthe nucleus gains a proton and a new element is produced.\nthe nucleus loses energy and remains the same element.\nthe nucleus loses a neutron and remains the same element.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

In alpha - decay, an alpha particle (a helium - 4 nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus. This causes the nucleus to lose mass. Since the number of protons in the nucleus changes, a new element is formed according to the definition of an element (number of protons determines the element).

Answer:

The nucleus loses mass and a new element is produced.