A beta (β) particle is a fast-moving electron. During a β - decay how does the atomic number and mass number of a nucleus change?
Correct answer: C. C
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
Explanation
In beta decay, one of the neutrons in the nucleus suddenly changes into a proton, causing an increase in the atomic number of an element while the mass number remains the same, as shown below:
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Nuclear Physics
Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.
Practise Nuclear Physics
1,254 free Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Nuclear Physics questions
For the radiotherapy of a patient, it is required to double the absorbed dose in gray. What step must be taken?
Which one of the following particles is emitted as a result of the following nuclear reaction?Ra226 → Rn222
The transformation of a neutron into a proton in the nucleus gives rise to the emission of:
A Uranium isotope 92U232 undergoes one α-decay and two β-1 - decay. What is the final product?
A naturally occurring radioactive element decays into two alpha particles. Which one of the following represents the status of the daughter element concerning the mass number 'A' and charge number 'Z'?
A radioactive isotope 'W' decays to 'X' which decays to 'Y' and 'Y' decays to 'Z' as represented by the figure below. What is the change in the atomic number from 'W' to 'Z'?