The beta emission process results in the daughter nucleus differing in what manner from the parent?
A)Atomic mass changes by one.
B)Atomic number changes by two.
C)Atomic number changes by one.
D)Atomic mass changes by two.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay results in the emission of an electron or a positron from the nucleus. This change results in the increase or decrease of one unit in the atomic number of the nucleus. Therefore, the daughter nucleus differs from the parent nucleus in terms of atomic number by a change of one. The atomic mass remains the same as the mass of an electron is negligible in comparison to the mass of a nucleus. Thus, option C is the correct choice.

The Beta Emission Process Results in the Daughter Nucleus Differing