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) must be radioactive E) is the same chemical element as X

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The emission of a beta particle (symbolized by β-) from a radioactive nucleus occurs when a neutron in the nucleus is converted to a proton and an electron is ejected from the nucleus. The resulting daughter nucleus has one more proton and one less neutron than the parent nucleus, which means that the atomic number (number of protons) has increased by 1 while the mass number (number of protons + neutrons) has remained the same. Therefore, the correct choice is B. The other choices are not necessarily true: 
A) The chemical reactivity of the resulting atom cannot be determined solely from the information given, as it depends on the specific element and its electronic configuration.
C) The mass number of the resulting atom is not necessarily one less than that of X, as beta decay does not change the mass number.
D) The resulting atom may or may not be radioactive, depending on the specific element and whether it undergoes further radioactive decay.
E) The resulting atom may or may not be the same chemical element as X, depending on the specific isotope of X that undergoes beta decay.

A Radioactive Atom X Emits A β\betaβ - Particle

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