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AssignmentMultiple Choice

Balancing Nuclear Reactions

Question 2 • Foothill-B Period-Chemistry-26/27B

Which form of decay produces a nucleus similar to the element helium?

Answer
A
alpha particle
B
beta particle
C
gamma ray

Explanation

Alpha decay emits an alpha particle, which contains two protons and two neutrons—the same nucleus as a helium-4 atom. Beta decay emits an electron or positron, and gamma decay emits energy as radiation, so neither produces a helium-like nucleus.

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