Question

Although a neutron within a nucleus is stable, a neutron in free space decays into a proton and an electron ($\beta$ - particle). The correct equation is:

• A. ${}_0^{1}n{⟶}_1^{1}p{+}_{-1}^0\beta$
• B. ${}_0^{1}n{⟶}_1^{1}p{+}_{-1}^1\beta$
• C. ${}_0^{1}n{⟶}_1^{1}p{+}_1^0\beta$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A ${}_0^{1}n{⟶}_1^{1}p{+}_{-1}^0\beta$

For a balances reaction, mass and charge of both side should be equal.

${}_0^{1}n{⟶}_1^{1}p{+}_{-1}^0\beta$

m $1$ $1$

e $0$ $1-1=0$