Question

What happens to an atomic number of an element when emits a ${\mathrm{\beta }}^{+}$ particle?

• A. decreaese by 1
• B. increase by 1
• C. remain unchnaged
• D. becomes 1

Answer 1

The correct option is A

decreaese by 1

The explanation for correct option:

Option A decrease by 1

• A beta ray is released from an atomic nucleus during a radioactive decay process known as beta decay.
• Proton to neutron decay is referred to as "${\mathrm{\beta }}^{+}$ decay.
• Thus there is a decrease in atomic number by 1 as protons denote the atomic number of an element.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option B increases by 1

• The neutron to Proton conversion is referred to as ${\mathrm{\beta }}^{-}$decay.
• Thus there is an increase in atomic number by 1.

Option C remains unchanged

• There is an increase in atomic number or decrease in atomic number during $\mathrm{\beta }$decay.

Option D becomes 1

• After $\mathrm{\beta }$-decay, there is an increase or decrease in atomic number, it is not necessary that the atomic number becomes 1.
• It depends upon the radioactive decay of an element.

Thus Option A decrease by 1 is the correct option.