Question

When a radioactive isotope releases an alpha particle, the atomic number of the atom is

decreased by one.

increased by one.

decreased by two.

increased by four.

Answer 1

@JFraser

Answer 2

what is an alpha particle made of? what 2 sub-atomic particles?

Answer 3

umm.. protons and neutrons?

Answer 4

how many of each?

Answer 5

2

Answer 6

@JFraser

Answer 7

@aaronq

Answer 8

you've already mentioned how many protons an alpha particle is composed of, it should be obvious what the answer is

Answer 9

ohhh. wait so that means it decreased by 2?