Question

When an atom releases a beta particle, A) the mass number decreases by one. B) the mass number increases by one. C) the atomic number increases by one. D) the atomic number remains the same.

Answer 1

The answer is D as an electron is given off (which is a beta particle) and an electron is so small in weight/size (1/1840) that it is not counted when the mass number is calculated, instead the neutrons and protons are used
Also the atomic number is only dependant on the number of protons as this identifies the element as no two elements can have the same number of protons but can have the same number of electrons (e..g isotopes). So nothind is affected so it has to be D

Answer 2

Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

In a nuclear reaction, sometimes a high energy electron or positron is emitted which is known as beta particle.

For example, $^{14}_{6}C \rightarrow ^{14}_{7}N + ^{0}_{-1}e[/ttex]Symbol of a beta particle is either [tex]^{0}_{-1}\beta$ or $^{0}_{-1}e$.

Therefore, we can conclude that when an atom releases a beta particle, the atomic number increases by one.