Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsThe Nucleus
During a radioactive decay process, both the atomic number and the mass number remain unchanged. Identify the particle that is emitted in this decay.
Options
- AProton
- BNeutron
- CPhoton
- DElectron
Correct answer
C. Photon
Step-by-step solution
In a radioactive decay process, if both the atomic number and the mass number of the nucleus remain unchanged, the decay corresponds to gamma emission. During gamma decay, a nucleus in an excited state transitions to a lower energy state by emitting a high-energy electromagnetic radiation, which is a photon. For the other options: Proton emission decreases both the atomic number and the mass number by 1 . Neutron emission decreases the mass number by 1 while the atomic number remains unchanged. Electron emission (b