Question

The main processes that happens during the alpha type of radioactivity decay is:

a. an electron is given off
b. an electron is absorbed and turned into a neuron
c. an atom splits into two pieces
d. an alpha particle combines with small atom to make a larger one

Answer 1

The main process that happens during the alpha type of radioactivity decay is (d) an alpha particle combines with a small atom to make a larger one.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main process that happens during the alpha type of radioactivity decay is (d) an alpha particle combines with a small atom to make a larger one.

During alpha decay, a nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. The emission of the alpha particle reduces the atomic number of the parent atom by 2 and the mass number by 4. Therefore, a new nucleus is formed, which has an atomic number that is 2 less and a mass number that is 4 less than the parent nucleus. This type of decay is commonly observed in heavy nuclei, such as uranium and plutonium.