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

When a radioactive isotope emits a beta-minus particle (an electron), the atomic number increases by 1 because a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton. The emission of a gamma ray does not change the atomic number, as it is a form of electromagnetic radiation released to shed excess energy without altering the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the atomic number of the resulting nucleus is $Z + 1$.

A Radioactive Isotope of Atomic Number ZZZ Emits a Beta-Minus Particle, and Then the Daughter Nucleus Emits

A Radioactive Isotope of Atomic Number $Z$ Emits a Beta-Minus Particle, and Then the Daughter Nucleus Emits