Chapter 39, Problem 33A

What experimental evidence indicates that radioactivity is a process that occurs in the atomic nucleus?

To determine

The evidence indicates that radioactivity occurs in the atomic nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The radioactivity is the process of variation in the nucleus of the atom due to variation in the protons and neutrons.

The composition of the atomic nucleus changes due to the radioactive decay. The number of protons and number of neutrons changes in the new element compared to original element. The protons and neutrons remains only in the nucleus, so radioactivity occurs only in the atomic nucleus of the element.

Conclusion:

Thus, the radioactivity decay process indicates that the radioactivity occurs in the atomic nucleus.