Question

The number of neutrons decreases by 1 after radioactive decay. Identify the type of decay.

• A. Alpha decay
• B. ${\beta }^{-}$ decay
• C. ${\beta }^{+}$ decay
• D. Electron capture
• E. Gamma decay

Answer 1

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

We know that for ${\beta }^{-}$ decay, one neutron is converted into proton and electron and the electron is ejected in the reaction. For this, the number of neutrons will decrease by one unit.

But in ${\beta }^{+}$ decay , the positron is ejected and neutron number will increase by one unit.