Cobalt-59 is a stable isotope. Cobalt-60 is used as a radioactive source approved by the FDA for irradiation of food. This process kills microbes and insects and can delay ripening. What decay pathway is likely for cobalt-60?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cobalt-60 decays by beta emission, which is the emission of an electron from the nucleus. This changes the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, resulting in the production of a new element.

Cobalt-59 Is a Stable Isotope α\alphaα " Emission B) β\betaβ " Emission C) Positron Emission D)

Cobalt-59 Is a Stable Isotope $\alpha$ " Emission
B) $\beta$ " Emission
C) Positron Emission
D)