In addition to a beta particle, what is the other product of beta decay of
Pb?

Question

In addition to a beta particle, what is the other product of beta decay of 
 Pb?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (an electron or positron) from the nucleus. In addition to the beta particle, the nucleus will also emit another particle or photon to conserve energy and momentum. In this case, the beta decay of 11eacb30_68ca_7a21_b5a4_0d2918b97b1e_TB7901_11_TB7901_11 Pb will result in the formation of 11eacb30_68ca_7a24_b5a4_21d5352cd0c0_TB7901_11_TB7901_11 Bi. This is because the atomic number of the nucleus will increase by one, since a neutron is converted into a proton during beta decay. This means the nucleus will become a different element on the periodic table with one more proton in its nucleus.

In Addition to a Beta Particle, What Is the Other