Modern Physics 3 Question 14
14. The electron emitted in beta radiation originates from
(a) inner orbits of atom
$(2001,2 M)$
(b) free electrons existing in nuclei
(c) decay of a neutron in a nucleus
(d) photon escaping from the nucleus
Show Answer
Solution:
- During $\beta$-decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton and an electron. This is why atomic number $(Z=$ number of protons) increases by one and mass number ( $A=$ number of protons + neutrons) remains unchanged during beta decay.