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What happens to a nucleus during alpha decay?

1. Proton number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4
2. Proton number increases by 1, mass number remains unchanged
3. Proton number remains same, mass number decreases by 1
4. Both proton and mass number remain unchanged

Correct answer: Proton number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4

Solution

In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle, which contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Therefore, the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

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