A radioactive nuclide of atomic number Z emits an electron,then the daughter nuclide emits a gamma ray.What is the atomic number of the resulting nuclide after both processes?
A) Z + 1
B) Z - 1
C) Z - 2
D) Z - 3
E) Z + 2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a radioactive nuclide emits an electron (beta decay), its atomic number increases by 1, resulting in Z + 1. The emission of a gamma ray does not change the atomic number, so the atomic number remains Z + 1.

A Radioactive Nuclide of Atomic Number Z Emits an Electron,then