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When you write out the symbol for an isotope, it has two numbers before the chemical symbol....the bottom one is the atomic number (#protons) and the top one is the Atomic Mass (#protons + # neutrons).
Since the letter abbreviation is given, the bottom number is kind of redundant. So, sometimes people will write the abbreviation as the letter abbreviation followed by the mass number. So, Rb-82 would have 37 protons and 82-37 neutrons (45).
Beta particles would be written as a beta with the top number being zero (negligible mass for this purpose) and the bottom number being -1.
So, if you lose a zero from the atomic mass, there is no change. If you lose a negative one from the atomic number, the atomic number increases by 1.
So, for example, Th-234 has an atomic number of 90. Loss of a beta doesn't change its mass (still 234), but changes its identity to 91, which is the element Protocinium (Pa-234).
What else can I help you with?
Does the total number of nucleons in the nucleus of the atom ever increase during the decay chain?
No, the total number of nucleons in the nucleus remains constant during a decay chain. The total number of protons and neutrons may change as individual particles are emitted during decay, but the overall number of nucleons (protons and neutrons combined) remains the same within a closed system.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
No, gamma decay does not change the atomic number of an atom. Gamma decay involves the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) from the nucleus of an atom, but it does not affect the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the atomic number.
What happens when an atom releases both an alpha and a beta particle?
When an atom releases both an alpha and a beta particle, it transforms into a different element with a lower atomic number. This process is known as double beta decay. The atom undergoes nuclear transmutation to achieve a more stable configuration.
What would happen to the type of atom when the number of protons is changed?
It would become an atom of a different element. This can only happen during radioactive decay, nuclear fusion, or nuclear fission.
How many decay events can an atom undergo while remaining the same element?
An atom can undergo an infinite number of decay events while remaining the same element as long as it does not change its atomic number. For example, isotopes of an element can undergo decay processes like alpha or beta decay, yet still be classified as the same element if they retain the same number of protons. However, once the atomic number changes through decay, the atom transforms into a different element.
What happens to the atomic number of an atom undergoing alpha decay?
The atomic number of an atom undergoing alpha decay decreases by 2. Not asked, but answered for completeness, the atomic mass number decreases by 4.
What does alpha decay do to an atom mass and atomic number?
Alpha decay decreases the atomic mass of an atom by 4 units and the atomic number by 2 units. This is because an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, is emitted during the decay process.
In beta decay what happens within the nucleus of the atom?
kutta panna
Does the identity of an atom change during radioactive decay.why or why not?
Well, when an atom undergoes radioactive decay, it can change into a different element. This happens because the nucleus of the atom becomes unstable and releases particles or energy to become more stable. So, while the identity of the atom may change, it's all just a part of nature's way of finding balance and harmony in the universe.
Does the total number of nucleons in the nucleus of the atom ever increase during the decay chain?
No, the total number of nucleons in the nucleus remains constant during a decay chain. The total number of protons and neutrons may change as individual particles are emitted during decay, but the overall number of nucleons (protons and neutrons combined) remains the same within a closed system.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
No, gamma decay does not change the atomic number of an atom. Gamma decay involves the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) from the nucleus of an atom, but it does not affect the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the atomic number.
What happens when an atom releases both an alpha and a beta particle?
When an atom releases both an alpha and a beta particle, it transforms into a different element with a lower atomic number. This process is known as double beta decay. The atom undergoes nuclear transmutation to achieve a more stable configuration.
What would happen to the type of atom when the number of protons is changed?
It would become an atom of a different element. This can only happen during radioactive decay, nuclear fusion, or nuclear fission.
When radioactive decay occurs a atom is always produced by the action?
During any type of radioactive decay, one isotope (type of atom) will convert into a different isotope.
Do atom get rid of their excess energy by giving off radioactive decay?
Yes, that's more or less what happens in the case of radioactive decay.
How many decay events can an atom undergo while remaining the same element?
An atom can undergo an infinite number of decay events while remaining the same element as long as it does not change its atomic number. For example, isotopes of an element can undergo decay processes like alpha or beta decay, yet still be classified as the same element if they retain the same number of protons. However, once the atomic number changes through decay, the atom transforms into a different element.
How can you determine the number of protons in an atom changes?
For the alpha decay the number of protons decrease with 4; for the beta minus decay the number of protons ih higher with 1.
