Phosphorus-32, a radioactive isotope of phosphorus-31 (atomic number 15), undergoes a form of radioactive decay whereby a neutron turns into a proton, which is retained in the nucleus, and emits radiation in the form of an electron. What is the product of such radioactive decay of phosphorus-32?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay process described is beta minus decay, which results in the emission of an electron (beta particle) from the nucleus. This electron was formerly a neutron, which has turned into a proton within the nucleus. As a result, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1. Therefore, the product of the radioactive decay of phosphorus-32 will have an atomic number of 16, which is the atomic number of sulfur-32. The mass number of the product will remain the same as that of the original phosphorus-32.

Phosphorus-32, a Radioactive Isotope of Phosphorus-31 (Atomic Number 15), Undergoes