If an atomic nucleus spontaneously emits two protons and two neutrons, then a(n) __________ particle has been emitted.
a. alpha
b. beta
c. gamma ray
d. neutron

Question

If an atomic nucleus spontaneously emits two protons and two neutrons, then a(n) __________ particle has been emitted.
a. alpha	
	 b. beta	
	 c. gamma ray	
	 d. neutron

anonymous · Answer

2 protons and 2 neutrons is helium, the 2nd element on the periodic table, we labelled it alpha, but its really arbitrary. The spontaneity is brilliant. You probably don't want to know why its He and not Li, or a neutron (doesnt happen).

Beta is electron emission, can be negative or anti-matter version, positive.
Gamma is energy, and lots of it.

anonymous · Answer

thanks