Question:easy

From which part of the atom are radioactive radiation emitted?

Show Hint

Radioactivity involves changes in protons and neutrons, so look to the central core rather than the electron cloud.
Updated On: Jul 10, 2026
Show Solution

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the two zones of an atom. An atom has a tiny, massive, positively charged central core (the nucleus of protons and neutrons) surrounded by a comparatively vast cloud of orbiting electrons.

Step 2: Match radiation to its zone. Radioactive decay changes the identity of the nucleus (alpha decay removes 2 protons and 2 neutrons, beta decay converts a neutron to a proton, gamma decay releases nuclear excitation energy). All of these involve only the nucleons, so the electron cloud plays no part in producing \(\alpha\), \(\beta\) or \(\gamma\) radiation.

Step 3: State clearly. Hence radioactive radiation comes out of the nuclear core, not the electron shells.
\[\boxed{\text{Radioactive radiation is emitted from the atomic nucleus.}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0