Question

when a beta minus decay occurs in an unstable nucleus, what happens to the atomic number of the nucleus? when a beta minus decay occurs in an unstable nucleus, what happens to the atomic number of the nucleus? the atomic number decreases by 2. the atomic number increases by 2. the atomic number increases by 1. the atomic number decreases by 1. the atomic number remains constant.

Answer 1

The atomic number increases by 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta decays take place when the ratio of protons and neutrons is not optimal. When there are too many neutrons related to the protons, negative beta decay occurs; when there are too many protons related to the neutrons, positive beta decay takes place. As a result of beta decays, the mass number of the atoms remains the same, but the atomic number changes: the atomic number increases in the negative beta decay and decreases in the positive beta decay, respectively