A radioactive isotope of atomic number Z emits a beta-minus particle,and then the daughter nucleus emits a gamma ray.What is the atomic number of the resulting nucleus after both processes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta-minus decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, which increases the atomic number of the nucleus by one unit. Therefore, the resulting nucleus after beta-minus decay has atomic number (Z+1). 
The subsequent emission of a gamma ray does not change the atomic number of the nucleus. Thus, the final atomic number of the resulting nucleus is (Z+1). Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Z+1.

A Radioactive Isotope of Atomic Number Z Emits a Beta-Minus