When a nucleus undergoes beta-minus decay, it changes into
A) a higher atomic number.
B) a higher neutron number.
C) a higher mass number.
D) another isotope of itself.
E) a lower proton number.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During beta-minus decay, a neutron in an unstable nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. This increases the atomic number by 1, changing the element to the next higher atomic number but does not change the mass number since a neutron is converted into a proton.

When a Nucleus Undergoes Beta-Minus Decay, It Changes into