Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

When radium (atomic number 88) emits an alpha particle, the resulting nucleus has atomic number.

  1. 92

  2. 90

  3. 88

  4. 86
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D Correct answer
Explanation

An alpha particle is a helium nucleus, which contains 2 protons. When radium (atomic number 88, meaning 88 protons) undergoes alpha decay, it loses 2 protons. Therefore, the resulting nucleus has atomic number 88 - 2 = 86. This is a standard alpha decay equation: Ra-226 → Rn-222 + α.

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