hich statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus? (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 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 more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
The resulting nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The correct statement is: "The resulting nucleus can be of a different element than the original, and it is generally less stable than the original nucleus."
The correct statement that best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus is: "The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original."
To understand why this statement is true, we need to understand what radioactive decay is. Radioactive decay is the spontaneous disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus, resulting in the release of radiation and the formation of a new nucleus. During radioactive decay, certain particles like alpha particles (helium nuclei), beta particles (electrons or positrons), or gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus.
The process of radioactive decay occurs because the original nucleus is unstable. The release of these particles reduces the stability of the nucleus, resulting in a new nucleus that is typically less stable than the original. As a result, the resulting nucleus might have different properties, such as a different number of protons and neutrons. This means that the resulting nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
Therefore, the correct statement is that the resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus, and it can be of a different element.