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In addition to the daughter nucleus and an electron or positron, the products of a beta decay

Correct answer: B. Neutrino

  • A. Neutrons
  • B. Neutrino
  • C. Alpha particle
  • D. Proton

Explanation

In beta decay, conservation of energy, momentum and lepton number requires emission of a neutrino or antineutrino along with the electron or positron. Thus the additional product listed is the neutrino. The likely mistake is choosing a neutron, because beta decay involves conversion between a neutron and proton, but the emitted neutral particle is a neutrino.

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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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