Question Detail

CHM 102 Radioactivity Objective Question

Question

How does the atomic number of the parent nucleus change during beta (β) decay?
Options
A It increases by 1
Correct Answer
B It decreases by 1
C It remains unchanged
D It decreases by 2
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 13 explicitly states: 'In β decay, the atomic number of the parent nucleus is increased by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged.'

Hint

Consider the conversion of a neutron to a proton and an electron during beta decay.

Question Info