Chapter 16, Problem 3RQ

To determine

The type of radiation results in the greatest change in mass number and the greatest change in atomic number.

Answer to Problem 3RQ

The alpha radiation results in the greatest change in mass number and atomic number.

Explanation of Solution

The radioactive atoms mostly emit three different kinds of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma, and become stable. The alpha ray contains a positive charge, the beta ray contains a negative charge, and the gamma-ray does not contain any charge.

The radiation of alpha rays reduces the emitter's atomic number by 2 and the atomic mass number by 4. And the radiation of beta rays increases the emitter's atomic number by 1 and does not change the atomic mass number. The radiation of Gamma rays does not alter the atomic number or the atomic mass number. So the alpha radiation results in the greatest change in mass number and atomic number.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the alpha radiation results in the greatest change in mass number and atomic number.