Question

what is the primary purpose of food irradiation? *
to increase foods nutritional value
to change foods color
to kill harmful bacteria and parasites
to make food taste better
in alpha (α) decay, what happens to the atomic number and atomic weight of the original atom? *
atomic number decreases by 2, atomic weight decreases by 4
atomic number increases, atomic weight increases
atomic number stays the same, atomic weight stays the same
atomic number increases by 1, atomic weight decreases by 2

Explanation:

Food irradiation uses ionizing radiation to kill harmful bacteria, parasites and other pathogens to extend shelf - life and reduce foodborne illness. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (a helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus. Since a proton has a charge of + 1 and the mass of a proton and neutron is approximately 1 atomic mass unit, the atomic number (number of protons) decreases by 2 and the atomic weight (sum of protons and neutrons) decreases by 4.

Answer:

1. C. To kill harmful bacteria and parasites
2. A. Atomic number decreases by 2, atomic weight decreases by 4