A nuclear reaction given by $_{Z}X^{A} \rightarrow\ _{Z+1}Y^{A} +\ _{-1}e^{0} + \bar{\nu}$ represents
A
$\beta$-decay
B
$\gamma$-decay
C
fusion
D
fission
The answer is A.
Solution
In this reaction, the mass number A stays the same and the atomic number increases by 1. An electron ($_{-1}e^0$) and an antineutrino ($\bar{\nu}$) are emitted. This happens when a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton: $n \rightarrow p + e^- + \bar{\nu}$. Emission of an electron and an antineutrino with no change in mass number is $\beta^-$-decay. ($\gamma$-decay changes neither A nor Z; fusion and fission change the nuclei involved completely.)
ConceptBeta minus decay
Radioactive decay in past papers
9 questions from this chapter have appeared across 7 exam years.