Question

What kind of nucleus is likely to undergo beta minus decay?

A) Neutron-rich nucleus.
B) Proton-rich nucleus.
C) Stable nucleus.
D) Isotopic nucleus.

Answer 1

Beta-minus decay occurs in neutron-rich nuclei, which have an excess of neutrons compared to protons. It is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle.

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta-minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle (a high-energy electron) in the process. This decay occurs in nuclei that are neutron-rich, meaning they have an excess of neutrons compared to protons. Nuclei with a high neutron-to-proton ratio are unstable and undergo beta minus decay to achieve a more stable configuration.