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How do you change the atomic number and mass number Radioactive decay and why?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
In beta- decay, a neutron changes into a proton, so the atomic number goes up by one and the Atomic Mass number does not change.
In beta+ decay, a proton changes into a neutron, so the atomic number goes down by one and the atomic mass number does not change.
In alpha decay, two protons and two neutrons are lost, so the atomic number goes down by two, and the atomic mass number goes down by four.
In neutron emission, the atomic number stays the same and the atomic mass number goes down by one. (This is rare)
In proton emission, the atomic number goes down by one and the atomic mass number also goes down by one. (This is also rare)
In spontaneous fission, you need to know the daughter product, because it is not necessarily deterministic what you are going to get.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoAlpha decay means that the element decaying loses an alpha particle which is a helium nucleus, and a helium nucleus has 2 protons and 2 neutrons, so the mass of the decaying nucleus will decrease by 4.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoThe mass number is reduced by 4.
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How is the atomic mass changed?
When the number of neutrons changes, the atomic mass will change.
What happens to the atomic mass number in a radioactive substance?
In a radioactive substance, the atomic mass number may change as a result of radioactive decay. During radioactive decay, radioactive atoms undergo nuclear reactions, which can lead to the emission of radioactive particles such as alpha or beta particles. These emitted particles can cause a change in the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, resulting in a different atomic mass number for the resulting atom or isotope.
What is the radioactive decay of an atom resulting in the decrease in the atomic number with no charge in the atomic mass called?
It is called beta decay. there are two types: 1) posive beta decay in which atomic number decreases. 2) negative beta decay in which atomic number increases.
What element continue to decay until they finally become stable?
All elements above the atomic number of 83 are radioactive, but two elements that are under it are also radioactive. They are technetium (atomic number 43) and promethium (atomic number 61). Radioactive elements are elements that decay until stable. =)
How is the atomic number of a nucleus change is it by alpha decay or beta decay or gamma decay?
Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by two. Beta- decay increases the atomic number by one. Beta+ decay decreases the atomic number by one. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number. However, gamma decay is often incidental to a precipitating alpha or beta event that upsets the energy equilibrium in the nucleus, so the two are not unrelated.
Can the atomic number change over time?
No. The atomic number of an element never changes. It is the number of protons and it defines the element. In certain types of radioactive decay, the number of protons can change, but then it is no longer the same (parent) element, but rather is a new (daughter) element.
What radioactive decay processes do not reduce the atomic number of a nuclide?
Beta Decay.
How is the atomic mass changed?
When the number of neutrons changes, the atomic mass will change.
What happens to the atomic mass number in a radioactive substance?
In a radioactive substance, the atomic mass number may change as a result of radioactive decay. During radioactive decay, radioactive atoms undergo nuclear reactions, which can lead to the emission of radioactive particles such as alpha or beta particles. These emitted particles can cause a change in the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, resulting in a different atomic mass number for the resulting atom or isotope.
What is the radioactive decay of an atom resulting in the decrease in the atomic number with no charge in the atomic mass called?
It is called beta decay. there are two types: 1) posive beta decay in which atomic number decreases. 2) negative beta decay in which atomic number increases.
What element continue to decay until they finally become stable?
All elements above the atomic number of 83 are radioactive, but two elements that are under it are also radioactive. They are technetium (atomic number 43) and promethium (atomic number 61). Radioactive elements are elements that decay until stable. =)
Is radioactive decay the same as organic decay?
No, radioactive decay is not the same as organic decay. The basic difference between radioactive decay and organic decay is that in organic decay, chemical compounds break down and the biochemical structure of the subject changes. This is a natural process that any biological structures will undergo, or it could be induced. In either case, it represents a chemical change. In radioactive decay, the actual atomic nuclei of atoms will break down in some way, depending on the substance being considered. It is the unstable atomic nucleus of given isotopes of elements that undergoes the change, and this is a nuclear or atomic change.
How is the atomic number of a nucleus change is it by alpha decay or beta decay or gamma decay?
Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by two. Beta- decay increases the atomic number by one. Beta+ decay decreases the atomic number by one. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number. However, gamma decay is often incidental to a precipitating alpha or beta event that upsets the energy equilibrium in the nucleus, so the two are not unrelated.
What is the process by which some substances spontaniously emit radiation?
All elements with an atomic number >83 are naturally radioactive
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
Gamma decay don't affect the atomic number.
How does the atomic number of a nucleus change when beta decay occurs?
The atomic number increases by one unit when a beta decay occurs.
Does atomic mass stay the same?
The atomic mass of a radioactive atoms is changed during the radioactive decay (alpha decay, neutron decay, proton decay, double proton decay), spontaneous or artificial fission, nuclear reactions.
