an isotope undergoes radioactive decay. the new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than…

an isotope undergoes radioactive decay. the new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotopes.\nwhich kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?\no alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass\no beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge\no alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons\no gamma decay because gamma rays are photons

an isotope undergoes radioactive decay. the new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotopes.\nwhich kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?\no alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass\no beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge\no alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons\no gamma decay because gamma rays are photons

Answer

Brief Explanations:

In alpha - decay, an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted. When an alpha particle is emitted, the atomic number of the parent isotope decreases by 2 (due to the loss of 2 protons). In beta - decay, the atomic number changes by 1 (either increasing or decreasing depending on the type of beta - decay), and in gamma - decay, the atomic number does not change as gamma rays are photons and do not carry charge or mass that would change the atomic number.

Answer:

C. alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons