Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?(1 point)
The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
****The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original. *************
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
****** = my answer
nevermind, i got it wrong it was a
Ah, radioactive decay, the ultimate makeover for a nucleus! The correct answer is: "The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original." It's like getting a fresh coat of paint on a house, but still remaining the same old house with a stronger foundation. Just a little sprucing up to make it more stable!
The statement "The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original." best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus.
To determine the correct statement, we need to understand the concept of radioactive decay. Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously breaks down and transforms into a stable nucleus. During this process, subatomic particles and energy are emitted.
The correct statement is: The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus MUST be of the same element as the original.
To arrive at this answer, we can follow these steps:
1. Understand the concept of radioactive decay: Radioactive decay is a natural process where an unstable atomic nucleus releases particles and energy to become a more stable nucleus.
2. Note that stability in the context of atomic nuclei refers to the state where the forces binding the particles together are balanced. An unstable nucleus means these forces are not balanced.
3. With each radioactive decay event, the original nucleus transforms into a more stable nucleus. The particle emitted during decay, such as an alpha or beta particle, helps balance the forces within the nucleus.
4. It's important to recognize that the resulting nucleus must be of the same element as the original nucleus. This means that the atomic number (number of protons) of the nucleus remains the same. Only the mass number (number of protons plus neutrons) can change due to the loss or gain of particles during decay.