How is it possible for an element to decay "forward in the periodic table"-that is,to decay to an element of higher atomic number?
A)When the decay is instigated by a collision with a proton.
B)As a beta particle is released,a neutron transforms into a proton.
C)This only occurs during nuclear fusion.
D)It is not possible.Radioactive decay always results in an isotope with the same or lower atomic number.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a beta particle (a high-energy electron or positron) is emitted in radioactive decay, a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one. This process is known as beta decay and can result in an element decaying "forward in the periodic table" to an element of higher atomic number.

How Is It Possible for an Element to Decay "Forward