During radioactive decay of a nucleus zXA, β emission takes place along with the daughter nucleus. Because of this beta particle emission, the mass number (A) of the parent nucleus:
Correct answer: A. Remains constant
- A. Remains constant
- B. Decreases by 1
- C. Increases by 1
- D. Decreases by 2
Explanation
On emitting a β particle the number of nucleons in the nucleus (i.e. protons and neutrons) remains same, but the number of neutrons is decreased by one and the number of protons is increased by one. If a radioactive nucleus P with mass number A and atomic number Z emits a beta particle to form a daughter nucleus Q with mass number A and atomic number Z+1. (a) Atomic number Z is not conserved. It is increased by 1. (b) Mass number A is conserved. Result: So, from the above discussion it is clear thwt mass number (A) remains constant after the beta decay and not increased or decreased .
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