Question

What happens in the process of beta decay?

(a) A neutron transforms into a proton and an electron.

(b) A proton transforms into a neutron and an electron.

(c) A neutron and an electron combine to make a proton.

(d) A proton and an electron combine to make a neutron.

Answer 1

In beta decay, a neutron transforms into a proton and an electron. The atomic number increases by one, while the total mass number remains the same.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the process of beta decay, a neutron transforms into a proton and an electron. This transformation allows for the total mass number of the atom to remain the same, although the atomic number will increase by one. The proton stays in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number, while the electron is ejected from the nucleus. This decay is also known as beta-minus (߯) decay.