Which change occurs when an atom undergoes alpha decay? a. the nucleus loses mass and a new element is produced. b. the nucleus gains a proton and a new element is produced. c. the nucleus loses energy and remains the same element. d. the nucleus loses a neutron and remains the same element.

A. The nucleus loses mass and a new element is produced.

Explanation:

Alpha decay : When a larger nuclei decays into smaller nuclei by releasing alpha particle or a helium nuclei. In this process, the mass number and atomic number is reduced by 4 and 2 units respectively.

General representation of alpha decay :

Z= atomic number

A= mass number

There is a change in mass as well as atomic number.

As the atomic number has changed, a new element gets formed as atomic number is specific to every element.

Example: