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General Science • PhysicsEasy

What type of radioactive decay involves the emission of a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons?

A. Beta-minus decay
B. Gamma decay
C. Alpha decay✓ Correct Answer
D. Positron emission

💡 Solution & Explanation

Alpha decay is a radioactive transformation wherein an unstable atomic nucleus ejects an alpha particle comprising two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus. This emission reduces the parent nucleus mass number by four and atomic number by two, resulting in a different daughter element. Such natural transmutation processes are fundamental concepts in nuclear physics and radioactivity.

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