A certain nucleus, after absorbing a neutron, emits a $\beta$^- and then splits into two alpha particles. The (A, Z) of the original nucleus must have been: A) 6, 2 B) 6, 3 C) 7, 2 D) 7, 3 E) 8, 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The original nucleus absorbs a neutron, emits a beta particle (which increases the atomic number by 1), and then splits into two alpha particles (each with A=4, Z=2). Therefore, the original nucleus must have had A=7 and Z=3 to account for the changes.

A Certain Nucleus, After Absorbing a Neutron, Emits A β\betaβ - and Then Splits into Two Alpha Particles

A Certain Nucleus, After Absorbing a Neutron, Emits A $\beta$ ^- and Then Splits into Two Alpha Particles