Question

A transmutation reaction must always involve a(n) ____.

a. change in the number of electrons in the atom
b. decrease in the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
c. increase in the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
d. change in the number of protons in a nucleus of an atom

Answer 1

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Transmutation is a process which brings changes in the nucleus occur because of change in the number of protons of an atom. Therefore, the atom formed will have different properties from its parent atom.

For example,
`^(27)_(13)Al + ^(4)_(2)He \rightarrow ^(30)_(15)P + ^(1)_(0)n`

A transmutation can be natural or artificial in nature.

Thus, we can conclude that a transmutation reaction must always involve a change in the number of protons in a nucleus of an atom.

Answer 2

A transmutation reaction must always involve a change in the number of protons in a nucleus of an atom. A transmutation reaction involves a change in the structure of atomic nuclei and hence may be induced by a nuclear reaction. The correct answer is letter "D." I hope this helps.