Question

In radioactive decay process, the emitted negatively charged $\beta$ - particles are :

• A. the electrons present inside the nucleus
• B. the electrons produced as a result of the decay of neutrons inside the nucleus
• C. the electrons produced as a result of collisions between atoms
• D. the electrons orbiting around the nucleus

Answer 1

The correct option is B the electrons produced as a result of the decay of neutrons inside the nucleus

Beta decay can involve the emission of either electrons or positrons. The electrons or positrons emitted in a $\beta$ - decay do not exist inside the nucleus. They are only created at the time of emission, just as photons are created when an atom makes a transition from higher to a lower energy state.
In negative $\beta$- decay a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron and an antineutrino. Hence, in radioactive decay process, the negatively charged emitted $\beta$- particles are the electrons produced as a result of the decay of neutrons present inside the nucleus.