What happens during radioactive decay?

A. The isotope gains electrons

B. The isotope loses electrons

C. The nucleus gains electrons

D. The nucleus loses particles and/or energy

In alpha decay, the nucleus loses two protons. In beta decay, the nucleus either loses a proton or gains a proton. In gamma decay, no change in proton number occurs, so the atom does not become a different element ... If it loses two protons through alpha decay, it will have 82 protons.