Question: Q. 3. In both $\beta^{-}$and $\beta^{+}$decay processes, the mass number of a nucleus remains same whereas the atomic number $Z$ increases by one in $\beta^{-}$decay and decreases by one in $\beta^{+}$decay. Explain, giving reason.
[Foreign 2014]
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Solution:
Ans. It is due to the conversion of neutron to proton or proton to neutron inside the nucleus.
1 Alternatively,
$$ \begin{align*} & { }{Z}^{A} X \rightarrow \beta^{-}+{ }{Z+1}^{A} Y+\bar{v} \ & { }{Z}^{A} X \rightarrow \beta^{+}+{ }{Z-1}^{A} Y+v \tag{1} \end{align*} $$
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
