Identify the kind of decay that corresponds to each arrow, The arrow labeled \( x \) corresponds to a positron emission and the arrow labeled \( y \) corresponds to an alpha decay. The arrow labeled \( x \) corresponds to an alpha decay and the arrow labeled \( y \) corresponds to a positron emission. The arrow labeled \( x \) corresponds to an alpha decay and the arrow labeled \( y \) corresponds to a beta decay. The arrow labeled \( x \) corresponds to a beta decay and the arrow labeled \( y \) corresponds to an alpha decay.

Positron emission is a form of beta decay where a proton in the nucleus transforms into a neutron and releases a positron, which is an anti-electron. This reaction decreases the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number the same, resulting in the creation of a new element. Think of it as a nucleus suddenly deciding to swap out one of its protons for a neutron, ejecting a positron as a parting gift. Alpha decay, on the other hand, involves the emission of an alpha particle, which comprises two protons and two neutrons (essentially, a helium nucleus). When a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, it loses 4 atomic mass units and decreases its atomic number by 2, resulting in a lighter, more stable nucleus. Think of it like the nucleus shedding a bit of weight to feel more comfortable and stable on its metaphorical journey through the atomic landscape!