Potassium-40 is a β emitter. What isotope is formed when ⁴⁰K emits a β particle?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a β particle is emitted, a neutron within the nucleus converts to a proton, thereby increasing the atomic number of the nucleus by one. In this case, if potassium-40 emits a β particle, it will convert to an isotope with an atomic number one unit higher than 40, which is calcium-40. Therefore, the correct option is C (⁴⁰Ca).

Potassium-40 Is a β Emitter