Question

When fast moving electrons are released from an atom by way of a beta particle, the atom ends up with...
one less proton and one more neutron.
one more proton and one less neutron.
the same number of protons and two more neutrons.
two more neutrons and the same number of protons.

Answer 1

The correct option is ONE MORE PROTON AND ONE LESS NEUTRON. In beta decay, a neutron change into a proton and an electron. The proton remains in the nucleus while the electron is given off with high energy, this electron is called beta particle; its emission results in one more proton and one less neutron. This implies that the atomic mass number of the atom is unchanged while the atomic number increases by 1.