Question

Which of the following represents a beta decay?

A. Bi₈₃²¹² → Po₈₄²¹² + e⁻ + barνₑ
B. 2n + Rn₈₆²¹⁸ → Po₈₄²¹⁸ + He₂⁴
C. Ni₂₈⁵⁸ → Ni₂₈⁵⁹ + γ
D. ²³⁶Np → ²³¹Pa + α

Answer 1

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron within the nucleus converts to a proton, emitting an electron. The correct representation of beta decay among the options is A. Bi₈₃²¹² → Po₈₄²¹² + e⁻ + barνₑ.

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron within the nucleus converts to a proton, and in the process, an electron (beta particle) is emitted. The correct representation of beta decay among the given options is:

A. Bi₈₃²¹² → Po₈₄²¹² + e⁻ + barνₑ

In this reaction, the atomic number (Z) increases by one, and the mass number (A) remains the same, which is characteristic of beta decay.