Question

During nuclear decay, a new isotope is created. How is the nucleus of the new isotope different from the parent if the parent isotope has undergone beta decay?

A) The atomic number increases by 4 and the mass increases by 2.

B) The atomic number increases by 2 and the mass decreases by 4.

C) The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass remains the same.

D) The atomic number remains the same and the mass decreases by 1.

Answer 1

C) The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass remains the same.

Step-by-step explanation:

As per nuclear decay we know that in beta decay we have

`n --> p^+ + e^- + \\u`

now we have

`_z^AX ---> _(z+1)^AY + \beta^- + \\u`

so here we can see that due to excess neutrons inside the nucleus it is unstable and then due to decay of one neutron one proton and electron

so here the electron ejected from the nucleus is known as beta particles

so as per above equation we know that correct answer will be

C) The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass remains the same.