Can an Element Decay "Forward" in the Periodic Table, to a Higher

question 19

Multiple Choice

Can an element decay "forward" in the periodic table, to a higher atomic number?

• A) No, in fact elements cannot alter their atomic number by radioactive decay.
• B) No, but an element can decay to a lower atomic number.
• C) Yes, by beta decay.
• D) Yes, by alpha decay.
• E) Yes, this can occur by means of both beta decay and alpha decay.

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Definitions:

Suicide Rates

A rephrased measure indicating the frequency of suicide occurrences in a specified population, usually presented as the amount of suicides per unit of population over a given time frame.

Western Asia

A region covering the westernmost part of Asia, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran.

North America

A continent located in the Northern Hemisphere, mostly in the Western Hemisphere, including countries such as the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Completed Suicide

A suicide attempt in which the individual actually kills him- or herself; the act is completed with his or her death.