Question

In which of the following processes, the number of protons in the nucleus increase?

• A. $\alpha -\text{decay}$
• B. ${\beta }^{-}-\text{decay}$
• C. ${\beta }^{+}-\text{decay}$
• D. $\gamma -\text{decay}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${\beta }^{-}-\text{decay}$

In $\alpha -\text{decay},{}_x{A}^y\to {}_{x-2}{B}^{y-4}+\alpha$

In ${\beta }^{-}\text{decay},{}_x{A}^y\to {}_{x+1}{B}^y+{}_{-1}{\beta }^0$

In ${\beta }^{+}\text{decay},{}_x{A}^y\to {}_{x-1}{B}^y+{}_{+1}{\beta }^0$

For $\gamma -\text{decay}$, there will be no change in the number of protons, as only energy is released in the form of $\gamma$ radiations.

Therefore, the only case in which the number of protons increases is ${\beta }^{-}\text{decay}$.

Hence, option $\left(B\right)$ is correct.