Which term best describes the element produced after radioactive decay?

Which term best describes the element produced after radioactive decay?

• A. Parent material
• B. Product
• C. Isotope
• D. Daughter material

Answer: (D)

When a nucleus undergoes radioactive decay, the original nucleus changes into a different nucleus. The new nucleus produced is called the daughter nuclide (often referred to as the daughter product). This is distinct from the starting material, which is the parent. An isotope describes atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons, not the product of a decay; the decay typically changes the element itself. The term “product” is vague, whereas “daughter material” specifically identifies the nuclide that results from the decay.

When a nucleus undergoes radioactive decay, the original nucleus changes into a different nucleus. The new nucleus produced is called the daughter nuclide (often referred to as the daughter product). This is distinct from the starting material, which is the parent.

An isotope describes atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons, not the product of a decay; the decay typically changes the element itself. The term “product” is vague, whereas “daughter material” specifically identifies the nuclide that results from the decay.