Physics

Problem

A nucleus undergoes an

\alpha

decay followed immediately by a

\beta^{-}

decay. What is the net change in its atomic number

Z

and mass number

A

after the two decays? a)

Z

decreases by 3 and

A

decreases by 4 b)

Z

decreases by 2 and

A

decreases by 4 c)

Z

decreases by 1 and

A

decreases by 4 d)

Z

is unchanged and

A

decreases by 4