An isotope undergoes radioactive decay. The new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotope’s.

Which kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?
alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass
beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge
alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons
gamma decay because gamma rays are photons

The answer is alpha decay, because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons. If the isotope has an atomic number two less than the original, it lost two protons, the same amount as in an alpha particle.

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Lanuel Lanuel · Answer 2 · 2022-05-11T10:37:30+02:00

The kind of decay which has occurred is: C. alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons.

What is an alpha decay?

An alpha decay refers to a type of radioactive decay in which the atomic nucleus of a radioactive element emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), thereby, producing chemical elements with a different atomic nucleus.

Basically, this isotope has a mass number that is decreased by four (4) and an atomic number (protons) that is decreased by two (2), which is an atom of Helium (He).

Read more on alpha decay here: https://brainly.com/question/23303931

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