Question

What is the change in atomic mass when an atom emits a beta particle? Please explain your answer

no significant change




decreases by 2




decreases by 1




increases by 1

Answer 1

no significant change

Step-by-step explanation:

When an atom emits a beta particle, a neutron is changed into a proton by emitting an electron. The electron has a negligible mass (very small), hence there is no significant change in atomic mass.