Question

B- created another proton, so what increases?

B+ decreases the number of a proton, so what decreases.

a. Atomic radius; Atomic radius
b. Atomic radius; Atomic number
c. Atomic number; Atomic radius
d. Atomic number; Atomic number

Answer 1

During beta-minus decay, the atomic number increases, potentially decreasing the atomic radius due to a stronger nuclear charge. During beta-plus decay, the atomic number decreases, potentially increasing the atomic radius due to a weaker pull on the electron cloud.

Step-by-step explanation:

When beta decay occurs (B-), another proton is created, thus increasing the atomic number but not changing the atomic mass number. This process can potentially cause a decrease in atomic radius due to the increased effective nuclear charge, which pulls electrons closer to the nucleus, making the atom smaller. Conversely, if a process (B+) decreases the number of protons, then the atomic number decreases. An atom with fewer protons would exhibit less nuclear charge, potentially increasing the atomic radius as there is a lesser pull on the electron cloud.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: When beta-minus decay occurs, creating another proton, the atomic number increases. When beta-plus decay occurs, reducing the number of protons, the atomic number decreases. So the correct match is d. Atomic number; Atomic number.