Question: Consider a nucleus that undergoes decay. (a) Is the radius of the resulting daughter nucleus greater than, less than, or equal to the radius

Consider a nucleus that undergoes α decay.
(a) Is the radius of the resulting daughter nucleus greater than, less than, or equal to the radius of the original nucleus?
(b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:
I. The decay adds an alpha particle to the nucleus, causing its radius to increase.
II. When the nucleus undergoes α decay it ejects two neutrons and two protons. This decreases the number of nucleons in the nucleus, and therefore its radius will decrease.
III. An α decay leaves the number of nucleons unchanged. As a result, the radius of the nucleus stays the same.

Step by Step Solution

3.37 Rating (166 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

The radius of a nucleus depends upon the total number of nu... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

1307-P-M-P-Q-M(1879).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Modern Physics Questions!