Question

Βᵈecay of (⁴⁰K), a naturally occurring rare isotope of potassium responsible for some of our exposure to background radiation.

a) (⁴⁰K) undergoes βᵈecay.
b) (⁴⁰K) undergoes β⁺ decay.
c) (⁴⁰K) undergoes electron capture.
d) (⁴⁰K) undergoes α decay.

Answer 1

In the case of 40K, it undergoes β- decay, where a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, and an electron and an antineutrino are emitted.

Step-by-step explanation:

β decay refers to the emission of a beta particle, which can be either an electron (β-) or a positron (β+). In the case of 40K, it undergoes β- decay, where a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, and an electron and an antineutrino are emitted. This results in the atomic number of the nucleus increasing by 1 while the mass number remains the same.