Question

When a nucleus in an atom undergoes a radioactive decay, the electronic energy levels of the atom

• A. do not change for any type of radioactivity
• B. change for $\alpha$ and $\beta$ radioactivity but not for $\gamma$- radioactivity
• C. change for $\alpha$-radioactivity but not for others
• D. change for $\beta$-radioactivity but not for others

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

As an alpha particle carries $2$ units of positive charge, and a beta particle carries one unit of negative charge and $\gamma$ particle carries no charge, therefore electronic energy levels of the atom change for $\alpha$ and $\beta$ radioactivity, but not for $\gamma$-radioactivity