Which type of radiation is being emitted in the following incomplete nuclear equation? Pb → Bi + ??
A)alpha
B)beta
C)gamma
D)A and B
E)none of the above

Question

Which type of radiation is being emitted in the following incomplete nuclear equation?  Pb →  Bi + ??
A)alpha 
B)beta 
C)gamma 
D)A and B 
E)none of the above

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The incomplete equation shows the decay of lead (Pb) into bismuth (Bi) with an unknown emitted particle. The fact that the atomic number increases from Pb to Bi suggests a beta decay, in which a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron (beta particle) is emitted. Therefore, the emitted particle is a beta particle, which is represented by the symbol β.

Which Type of Radiation Is Being Emitted in the Following