The radioactive isotope ¹³¹I (atomic number 53) decays to the isotope ¹³¹Xe (atomic number 54). What type of radioactive decay is this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay involves the conversion of a neutron to a proton and an electron (beta particle), which is emitted from the nucleus. In this case, ¹³¹I decays to ¹³¹Xe by emitting a beta particle. Electron capture (A) involves the capture of an electron from the inner shell of the atom by a proton in the nucleus, resulting in the conversion of a proton to a neutron. Electron ionization (B) is a process where an electron is removed from an atom or molecule, resulting in an ion. Alpha decay (D) involves the emission of an alpha particle (consisting of two protons and two neutrons) from the nucleus.

The Radioactive Isotope ¹³¹I (Atomic Number 53) Decays to the Isotope