In gamma ray emission from a nucleus:
A) Both, the neutron number and the proton number change
B) There is no change in the proton number and the neutron number
C) Only the neutron number changes
D) Only the proton number changes
Answer
627k+ views
Hint: To solve this question, we need to see which product is liberated in a gamma decay. The change in proton number is indicated by the liberation of charged particles, while the neutron number is changed if any kind of particle having mass is liberated.
Complete step-by-step solution:
We know that an atom consists of a nucleus around which several electrons are present in various shells. Like the atom, the nucleus also has different energy levels for the distribution of the nucleons. The protons and the neutrons are well distributed within the nucleus. We know that when an excited electron present in a higher shell returns to a lower shell, then radiation is emitted. The radiation has energy equal to the difference in the energy of the shells. Also, these shells have the energies of the order of electron volts. So the emitted radiation also has the energy of the order of electron volts.
Likewise, a nucleus also gets excited. But here the energy levels are of the order of mega electron volts, due to the strong nuclear forces. So when the nucleus gets de-excited, then it liberates radiation having energy of the order of mega electron volts. So the gamma rays are liberated in the de-excitation of the nucleus. This phenomenon is known as the gamma decay.
Now, in this process no particle is being emitted. Only the gamma radiation is emitted. We know that radiation is an electromagnetic wave which only carries energy with it. No charge or mass is carried by the electromagnetic wave.
So neither the neutron number nor the proton number changes in the gamma emission from a nucleus.
Hence, the correct answer is option (B).
Note
The gamma radiations emitted in a gamma decay are used in the process of irradiation to kill bacteria from foods. They are also used in killing several types of cancer cells.
Complete step-by-step solution:
We know that an atom consists of a nucleus around which several electrons are present in various shells. Like the atom, the nucleus also has different energy levels for the distribution of the nucleons. The protons and the neutrons are well distributed within the nucleus. We know that when an excited electron present in a higher shell returns to a lower shell, then radiation is emitted. The radiation has energy equal to the difference in the energy of the shells. Also, these shells have the energies of the order of electron volts. So the emitted radiation also has the energy of the order of electron volts.
Likewise, a nucleus also gets excited. But here the energy levels are of the order of mega electron volts, due to the strong nuclear forces. So when the nucleus gets de-excited, then it liberates radiation having energy of the order of mega electron volts. So the gamma rays are liberated in the de-excitation of the nucleus. This phenomenon is known as the gamma decay.
Now, in this process no particle is being emitted. Only the gamma radiation is emitted. We know that radiation is an electromagnetic wave which only carries energy with it. No charge or mass is carried by the electromagnetic wave.
So neither the neutron number nor the proton number changes in the gamma emission from a nucleus.
Hence, the correct answer is option (B).
Note
The gamma radiations emitted in a gamma decay are used in the process of irradiation to kill bacteria from foods. They are also used in killing several types of cancer cells.
Recently Updated Pages
What is BLO What is the full form of BLO class 8 social science CBSE

Explain the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 class 10 social science CBSE

10 examples of friction in our daily life

Draw a diagram of nephron and explain its structur class 11 biology CBSE

Write structures of the following compounds i 2 Chloro3methylpentane class 11 chemistry CBSE

A Paragraph on Pollution in about 100-150 Words

Trending doubts
Draw a labelled sketch of the human eye class 12 physics CBSE

Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE

Draw ray diagrams each showing i myopic eye and ii class 12 physics CBSE

Which is the correct genotypic ratio of mendel dihybrid class 12 biology CBSE

What is the Full Form of PVC, PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS ?

