Which type of nuclear decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron?

JAMB Chemistry 2023 57 views

Which type of nuclear decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron?

  1. Alpha decay
  2. Beta decay ✓
  3. Gamma decay
  4. Electron capture

Explanation

Beta decay happens when an unstable nucleus converts a neutron into a proton plus an electron. The electron shoots out of the nucleus as a beta particle.

This process changes the atom into a different element because it gains a proton. The atomic number increases by one while the mass number stays the same.

Beta decay helps neutron-rich nuclei become more stable. The emitted electron carries away excess energy from the nucleus during the transformation.

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