Question

What happens in the process of beta decay? A. A neutron transforms into a proton and an electron. B. A proton transforms into a neutron and an electron. C. A neutron and an electron combine to make a proton. D. A proton and an electron combine to make a neutron.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. A neutron transforms into a proton and an electron.

Explanation:

Yes, this is what happens in β decay.

$_{0}^{1}\text{n} \rightarrow _{1}^{1}\text{H} + _{-1}^{0}\text{e}$

The proton stays in the nucleus and increases the atomic number by one, and the electron is ejected from the nucleus.

B is wrong. This is impossible because charge is not conserved. You can’t convert a positive particle into a negative particle.

C is wrong. Again, this is impossible because charge is not conserved.

D is wrong. Charge is conserved, but this is the process of electron capture.