When a beta particle is ejected from a nucleus, the nucleus then has slightly
A) smaller charge and significantly greater mass.
B) greater mass and charge.
C) greater mass and smaller charge.
D) smaller mass and significantly greater charge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a beta particle (which is essentially an electron) is ejected from a nucleus, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by one (thus it has a greater charge), but the mass number remains almost the same because the mass of an electron is negligible compared to the mass of the nucleus. This process does not make the nucleus significantly heavier; instead, it alters the charge by increasing it, as one neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron (the beta particle), with the proton remaining in the nucleus.

When a Beta Particle Is Ejected from a Nucleus, the Nucleus