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MHT CET 202624 AprilEvening Shift
Exam
MHT CET
Year
2026
Date
24 April
Shift
Evening Shift
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Nuclear Physics

MHT CET 2026 · 24 April · Evening Shift · Physics · Nuclear Physics

When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the atomic...

When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the atomic number and/or mass number of the atom

Options

  1. Ado not change for any type of radioactivity.
  2. Bchange for α\alpha and β\beta radiations but not for γ\gamma radiation.
  3. Cchange for α\alpha radiation but not for others.
  4. Dchange for β\beta radiation but not for others.

Correct answer

B. change for α\alpha and β\beta radiations but not for γ\gamma radiation.

Step-by-step solution

In α\alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 22 and the mass number decreases by 44.

In β\beta decay, the atomic number changes by 11 (increases in β−\beta^{-} and decreases in β+\beta^{+}) while the mass number remains unchanged.

In γ\gamma decay, neither the atomic number nor the mass number changes, as it only involves a transition between nuclear energy levels.

Thus, the atomic number and/or mass number change for α\alpha and β\beta radiations but not for γ\gamma radiation.

Answer: change for α\alpha and β\beta radiations but not for γ\gamma radiation.
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