A radioactive atom X emits a $\beta$^- particle.The resulting atom: A)must be very reactive chemically B)has an atomic number that is one more than that of X C)has a mass number that is one less than that of X D)has an atomic number that is one less than that of X E)is the same chemical element as X

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a beta particle (β⁻) is emitted, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one while the mass number remains unchanged.

A Radioactive Atom X Emits A β\betaβ - Particle

A Radioactive Atom X Emits A $\beta$ ^- Particle