Question

which type of radiation does not change the atomic number or atomic weight? *
positron emission
gamma emission
beta emission
alpha emission
in the example of carbon - 14 decay, what element is produced? *
oxygen
boron
nitrogen
carbon

Explanation:

1. Gamma - radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It is emitted when a nucleus transitions from a higher - energy state to a lower - energy state. Since it is just the release of energy in the form of photons and does not involve the emission or absorption of particles that would change the number of protons or neutrons, it does not change the atomic number or atomic weight.
2. Carbon - 14 undergoes beta decay. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of carbon - 14 is converted into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The atomic number of carbon is 6. When a neutron changes to a proton during carbon - 14 decay, the atomic number increases by 1, and the element becomes nitrogen (atomic number 7).

Answer:

1. B. Gamma emission
2. C. Nitrogen