Which of the following changes in the artificial transmutation of elements?

Options

A. number of neutrons
B. number of electrons
C. atomic weight
D. nucleus

Answer

To solve the question regarding which of the following changes in the artificial transmutation of elements, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Artificial Transmutation**:
- Artificial transmutation refers to the process where the nucleus of an atom is altered by bombarding it with particles (like neutrons, protons, or alpha particles). This results in the transformation of one element into another.

2. **Identify the Components of the Nucleus**:
- The nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons. The number of protons determines the element, while the number of neutrons affects the isotope of that element.

3. **Analyze the Given Options**:
- The options provided are:
- A) Number of neutrons
- B) Number of electrons
- C) Atomic weight
- D) Nucleus

4. **Evaluate Each Option**:
- **A) Number of neutrons**: During artificial transmutation, the number of neutrons can change as the nucleus is altered.
- **B) Number of electrons**: The number of electrons does not change during the transmutation process since it primarily involves changes in the nucleus.
- **C) Atomic weight**: While atomic weight may change due to changes in the number of protons and neutrons, it is not a direct component that is altered in the transmutation process.
- **D) Nucleus**: The nucleus itself is what is being changed in the process of artificial transmutation.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The primary change that occurs during artificial transmutation is in the nucleus of the atom. Therefore, the correct answer is **D) Nucleus**.

### Final Answer:
The correct option is **D) Nucleus**.

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