When a β⁺ particle is emitted from an unstable nucleus,the atomic number of the nucleus A)increases by 1. B)decreases by 1. C)increases by 2. D)decreases by 2. E)does not change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In beta minus decay (β-), an unstable nucleus spontaneously emits an electron and an antineutrino, resulting in the conversion of a neutron to a proton.

Therefore, the atomic number of the nucleus, which is determined by the number of protons, increases by 1 as a neutron is converted into a proton.

However, the mass number of the nucleus (which is the sum of protons and neutrons) remains the same, as the mass of the emitted electron and antineutrino is negligible compared to the mass of the nucleus.

In the given scenario, βS1U1P1+S1S1P0, the beta minus decay results in the emission of βS1U1P1 (an electron) from the parent atom, which means that the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 1. So, option B is the correct answer.

When a β+ Particle Is Emitted from an Unstable Nucleus,the

When a β⁺ Particle Is Emitted from an Unstable Nucleus,the