
What happens during a β- decay?
(A) An atomic electron is ejected
(B) An electron, already present within the nucleus, is ejected
(C) A proton in the nucleus decays, emitting an electron
(D) A neutron in the nucleus decays, emitting an electron
Answer
161.7k+ views
Hint: Firstly, we should understand the concept of β-decay. A beta ray is emitted from an atomic nucleus during a radioactive decay process. This process is known as beta decay. The proton in the nucleus transforms from a proton to a neutron during beta decay, and vice versa. Beta decay occurs due to weak nuclear forces. Beta decay is of two types: β+ decay and β- decay.
Complete Step by Step Solution:
β- decay (negative beta decay) is the type of beta decay in which a negatively charged beta particle, called an electron, is emitted along with an antineutrino.
$n(neutron)\xrightarrow{{}}p(proton)+{{e}^{-}}(electron)+\overline{\upsilon }(antineutrino)$
Hence, during β-decay, a neutron in the nucleus decays by emitting an electron.
Correct Option: (D) A neutron in the nucleus decays, emitting an electron.
Additional Information: β+ decay (positive beta decay) is the type of beta decay in which a positively charged beta particle, called a positron, is emitted along with a neutrino.
$p(proton)\xrightarrow{{}}n(neutron)+{{e}^{+}}(positron)+\upsilon (neutrino)$
Beta decay is important to maintain the proton to neutron ratio by the emission of radiation, which increases the stability of the nucleus.
Note: We should not get confused between β+ decay and β- decay. These are opposite to each other. When the number of neutrons is low, then β+ decay occurs. whereas, if the number of protons is low, then β- decay occurs.
Complete Step by Step Solution:
β- decay (negative beta decay) is the type of beta decay in which a negatively charged beta particle, called an electron, is emitted along with an antineutrino.
$n(neutron)\xrightarrow{{}}p(proton)+{{e}^{-}}(electron)+\overline{\upsilon }(antineutrino)$
Hence, during β-decay, a neutron in the nucleus decays by emitting an electron.
Correct Option: (D) A neutron in the nucleus decays, emitting an electron.
Additional Information: β+ decay (positive beta decay) is the type of beta decay in which a positively charged beta particle, called a positron, is emitted along with a neutrino.
$p(proton)\xrightarrow{{}}n(neutron)+{{e}^{+}}(positron)+\upsilon (neutrino)$
Beta decay is important to maintain the proton to neutron ratio by the emission of radiation, which increases the stability of the nucleus.
Note: We should not get confused between β+ decay and β- decay. These are opposite to each other. When the number of neutrons is low, then β+ decay occurs. whereas, if the number of protons is low, then β- decay occurs.
Recently Updated Pages
JEE Main 2021 July 25 Shift 1 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main 2021 July 22 Shift 2 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main Mock Test Series Class 12 Chemistry for FREE

JEE Electricity and Magnetism Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Energetics Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Isolation, Preparation and Properties of Non-metals Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2025 Session 2: Application Form (Out), Exam Dates (Released), Eligibility, & More

JEE Main 2025: Derivation of Equation of Trajectory in Physics

Displacement-Time Graph and Velocity-Time Graph for JEE

Electric Field Due to Uniformly Charged Ring for JEE Main 2025 - Formula and Derivation

Classification of Drugs

JoSAA JEE Main & Advanced 2025 Counselling: Registration Dates, Documents, Fees, Seat Allotment & Cut‑offs

Other Pages
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 1 Solutions

JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2025: Understanding Category-wise Qualifying Marks and Previous Year Cut-offs

Solutions Class 12 Notes: CBSE Chemistry Chapter 1

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry Class 12 Notes: CBSE Chemistry Chapter 2
