An element of nucleon number P and atomic number Q emits an alpha particle from its nucleus. The resultant numbers of the new element formed are respectivel...
An element of nucleon number P and atomic number Q emits an alpha particle from its nucleus. The resultant numbers of the new element formed are respectively
Answer Details
An alpha particle is a helium nucleus that contains two protons and two neutrons. When an alpha particle is emitted from a nucleus, the nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, the atomic number of the new element formed will be reduced by two and the nucleon number will be reduced by four. So, the resultant numbers of the new element formed are P - 4 and Q - 2. Therefore, the correct option is (b) P - 4 and Q - 2.