Q133 / 180 · COMEDK 2023 (Evening Shift) · Physics
Which of the following statement is true when a gamma decay occurs from the nucleus of an atom?
- AMass number is reduced by 4 and atomic number is reduced by 2
- BMass number is reduced by 4 and atomic number remains the same
- CMass number remains the same and atomic number increases by 1
- Correct answerDMass number and atomic number are not changed
Solution
Gamma decay involves the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, known as gamma rays, from an excited nucleus to a lower energy state.
During this process, the nucleus does not lose any protons or neutrons. Consequently, the number of protons (atomic number, $Z$) and the total number of nucleons (mass number, $A$) remain unchanged.
The transition is represented as: $_{Z}^{A}X^{*} \rightarrow _{Z}^{A}X + \gamma$.
Therefore, both the mass number and the atomic number remain constant.
Answer: Mass number and atomic number are not changed
During this process, the nucleus does not lose any protons or neutrons. Consequently, the number of protons (atomic number, $Z$) and the total number of nucleons (mass number, $A$) remain unchanged.
The transition is represented as: $_{Z}^{A}X^{*} \rightarrow _{Z}^{A}X + \gamma$.
Therefore, both the mass number and the atomic number remain constant.
Answer: Mass number and atomic number are not changed
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.