which statement describes what is gained or lost during radioactive decay? atoms gain other atoms. elements…

which statement describes what is gained or lost during radioactive decay? atoms gain other atoms. elements take in energy. atoms lose smaller particles. elements gain smaller particles.

which statement describes what is gained or lost during radioactive decay? atoms gain other atoms. elements take in energy. atoms lose smaller particles. elements gain smaller particles.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Radioactive decay is a process where unstable atomic nuclei lose smaller particles (such as alpha - particles, beta - particles) or energy (gamma rays) to become more stable. Atoms do not gain other atoms, elements do not take in energy in the context of what is lost or gained in decay, and elements do not gain smaller particles during decay.

Answer:

C. Atoms lose smaller particles.