Question

Identify which of the following equations represents $\beta$-decay in a nuclear fission reaction?

• A. ${}_1^{2}H{+}_1^{2}H\to {}_1^{3}H{+}_1^{1}H+$ energy
• B. ${}_{88}^{226}Ra\to {}_{86}^{222}Rn{+}_2^{4}He$
• C. ${}_{83}^{209}Bi\to {}_{84}^{209}Po{+}_{-1}^{0}e$
• D. ${}_{92}^{235}U{+}_0^{1}n\to {}_{54}^{140}Xe{+}_{38}^{94}Sr{+}_2^{1}n$
• E. ${}_2^{4}He{+}_{13}^{27}Al\to {}_{15}^{30}P{+}_0^{1}n$

Answer 1

The correct option is C ${}_{83}^{209}Bi\to {}_{84}^{209}Po{+}_{-1}^{0}e$

In beta decay reactions, $\beta$-particle ( electron i.e ${}_{-1}^{0}e$ ) is emitted and the atomic number of daughter nucleus increases by $1$ whereas its mass number remains the same.

Thus reaction in option C is a beta decay reaction.