How can an electron be ejected from a nucleus in beta decay if it wasn't in the nucleus to begin with?
A)The electron doesn't come from the nucleus-it comes from an orbit circling the nucleus.
B)A neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton,electron,and a neutrino.
C)A proton in the nucleus turns into a neutron,electron,and a neutrino.
D)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In beta decay, a neutron inside the nucleus turns into a proton, releasing an electron and a neutrino. The electron is not inside the nucleus before the decay, but it is a product of the transformation of a particle inside the nucleus. Choice A is incorrect because electrons in orbits around the nucleus belong to the electron cloud, not the nucleus. Choice C is incorrect because it describes alpha decay, not beta decay. Choice D is incorrect because one of the other choices is correct.

How Can an Electron Be Ejected from a Nucleus in Beta