A nuclear decay reaction in which a proton is transformed into a neutron, and which results in lowering of the atomic number by 1 than that of the parent nucleus is known as _____. This reaction is considered the opposite of beta decay.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nuclear decay reaction in which a proton is transformed into a neutron and which results in the lowering of the atomic number by 1 than that of the parent nucleus is known as positron emission. This reaction is considered the opposite of beta decay, where a neutron is transformed into a proton. Gamma emission is a release of excess energy from a nucleus, while spontaneous fission is the splitting of a nucleus into two smaller nuclei. Neutron decay only occurs in very neutron-rich nuclei, and alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons). Therefore, the best choice is E) positron emission.

A Nuclear Decay Reaction in Which a Proton Is Transformed