Question

The beta decay of a radioactive isotope results in the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron. Assume that scientists have discovered that a new element is formed. Which of the following would best support our understanding that the proton defines an element’s identity?

Question 3 options:

The atomic number decreases by one.


The atomic number increases by one.


The mass number increases by one.


The mass number decreases by one.

Answer 1

The atomic number increases by one.

EXPLANATION: Let’s look at carbon-14 it’s a radioactive isotope and goes under beta decay and turns into nitrogen-14 which has an atomic number of 7.