Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus? (1 point)
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as 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 more 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 can be of a different element than the original.
The correct statement is:
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
To determine the correct statement about the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus, we need to understand what radioactive decay is.
Radioactive decay is a process through which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting ionizing radiation. During this process, the nucleus transforms into a different nucleus or a different element.
Now, let's examine each statement:
1. The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
This statement is partly correct. The resulting nucleus is indeed less stable than the original nucleus. However, this does not necessarily mean that the resulting nucleus must be of the same element as the original. Radioactive decay can result in the formation of a different element.
2. The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
This statement is incorrect. The resulting nucleus is actually less stable than the original nucleus due to the emission of ionizing radiation.
3. The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
This statement is mostly correct. The resulting nucleus is indeed less stable than the original nucleus. Furthermore, radioactive decay can lead to the formation of a different element, so the nucleus can indeed be of a different element than the original.
4. The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
This statement is incorrect. The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus, and as mentioned earlier, it can also be of a different element due to the transformation caused by radioactive decay.
Therefore, the correct statement is: The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.