Multiple Choice
Which of the following types of radiation is the most penetrating?
21. Nuclear Chemistry
Intro to Radioactivity
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In beta decay, the effective change in the nucleus is
A
a proton is converted into an electron and a neutron is emitted.
B
a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron is emitted.
C
an electron is converted into a proton and a neutron is emitted.
D
a proton is converted into a neutron and an electron is emitted.
E
a neutron is converted into an electron and a proton is emitted.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of beta decay: In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, and an electron (beta particle) is emitted.
Identify the components involved: The neutron is the initial particle that undergoes transformation, resulting in a proton and an emitted electron.
Recognize the conservation laws: In beta decay, the conservation of charge and the conservation of nucleon number must be maintained. The neutron (neutral) becomes a proton (positive), and an electron (negative) is emitted to balance the charge.
Clarify the role of the emitted electron: The emitted electron is known as a beta particle, which is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted in the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus.
Conclude the correct description: The correct description of beta decay is that a neutron is converted into a proton, and an electron is emitted.
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