If a beta particle is emitted from 88Ra226, then the mass and atomic number will be
Correct answer: A. Mass number remains 226, atomic number becomes 89
- A. Mass number remains 226, atomic number becomes 89
- B. Mass number becomes 225, atomic number remains 88
- C. Mass number becomes 227, atomic number decreases to 87
- D. Mass number remains 226, atomic number decreases to 87
Explanation
When a beta particle is emitted, a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton. This results in an increase in the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains unchanged. Therefore, the mass number of radium (Ra) stays at 226, and the atomic number increases from 88 to 89, forming actinium (Ac). The incorrect options either suggest changes to the mass number or a decrease in atomic number, which do not occur in beta decay.
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About Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is the spontaneous transformation of unstable nuclei, described by decay constant, activity, half life and the exponential decay law. Work includes alpha, beta and gamma emissions, decay equations and remaining nuclei, with half life distinguished from the time required for complete decay.
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