Answer the following question given this paragraph: 

Both alpha and beta decay change the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus, thereby changing the atom to a different element. 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.


Q: Both alpha and beta decay change the number of what in an atom's nucleus?

 Choices:

- neutrons

- Gamma decay

- electrons

- protons

A:
protons
