Question

A nucleus $\underset{11}{24}Na$ is $\beta$-radioactive. What general name is given to the product nucleus with respect to $\underset{11}{24}Na$?

• A. isonucleus
  
• B. isoatom
  
• C. isotope
  
• D. isobar
  

Answer 1

The correct option is D isobar

$\beta$ decay converts one neutron to one proton. So, the atomic number is increased by $1$, while mass number remains the same.

Thus the product is ${}_{12}^{24}Mg$. It is Isobars wrt the ${}_{11}^{24}Na$ , as Isobars are atoms (nuclides) of different chemical elements that have the same number of nucleons. Correspondingly, isobars differ in atomic number (or number of protons) but have the same mass number.