Question

An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. How will the emission of an alpha particle affect the following:

a. The atomic number of the atom: _______Atomic Number will go down_______
b. The mass number of the atom: ___Mass number will go down____________

Answer 1

a) The atomic number decreases by 2 units

b) the atomic mass decreases by 4 units

Step-by-step explanation:

An alpha particle is a helium nucleus, which is why it is made up of two positive protons and two negative neutrons, the mass of the particles is almost the same.

a) The atomic number decreases by 2 units

b) the atomic mass decreases by 4 units