Question

question 6 (1 point)
when a gamma ray is emitted from an unstable nucleus,

the number of neutrons and the number of protons drop by two.

the number of neutrons drops by one and the number of protons increases by
one.

there is no change in either the number of neutrons or the number of protons.

none of the given answers

Explanation:

Gamma ray emission is a type of nuclear decay where the nucleus releases high - energy photons (gamma rays). During gamma ray emission, the nucleus is transitioning from a higher energy state to a lower energy state. Since gamma rays do not carry any protons or neutrons (they are electromagnetic radiation), the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus remains unchanged.

The first option describes alpha decay (where an alpha particle, containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons, is emitted). The second option describes beta - minus decay (where a neutron turns into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino). So, only the third option is correct.

Answer:

C. there is no change in either the number of neutrons or the number of protons.