a large atom decays and emits a particle. after the reaction is complete, the atoms mass has changed…
a large atom decays and emits a particle. after the reaction is complete, the atoms mass has changed substantially. what kind of particle has most likely been emitted?\no alpha particle\no beta particle\no positron\no photon
Answer
Brief Explanations:
An alpha - particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. When an atom emits an alpha - particle, its mass number decreases by 4 and atomic number decreases by 2, causing a substantial mass change. Beta - particles (electrons or positrons) have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons, and photons have no mass. So, an alpha - particle emission causes the most significant mass change in the atom.
Answer:
alpha particle