QuestionJuly 18, 2025

After radioactive decay, the mass number of the daughter nuclide increases by one (1). What type of radioactive decay occurred? electron capture gamma decay beta decay alpha decay positron emission

After radioactive decay, the mass number of the daughter nuclide increases by one (1). What type of radioactive decay occurred? electron capture gamma decay beta decay alpha decay positron emission
After radioactive decay, the mass number of the daughter nuclide increases by one (1). What type of radioactive decay occurred? electron capture gamma decay beta decay alpha decay positron emission

Solution
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Answer

No standard radioactive decay process increases the mass number by 1. Explanation 1. Identify the decay type In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged. However, in **beta-minus decay**, an electron (beta particle) is emitted, and the atomic number increases by 1, not the mass number. 2. Analyze other decay types - **Electron capture** decreases the atomic number by 1. - **Gamma decay** does not change the atomic or mass numbers. - **Alpha decay** decreases the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2. - **Positron emission** decreases the atomic number by 1. 3. Determine correct decay type None of these processes increase the mass number by 1. The question might be incorrect as no standard decay process increases the mass number by 1.

Explanation

1. Identify the decay type<br /> In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged. However, in **beta-minus decay**, an electron (beta particle) is emitted, and the atomic number increases by 1, not the mass number. <br /><br />2. Analyze other decay types<br /> - **Electron capture** decreases the atomic number by 1.<br /> - **Gamma decay** does not change the atomic or mass numbers.<br /> - **Alpha decay** decreases the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2.<br /> - **Positron emission** decreases the atomic number by 1.<br /><br />3. Determine correct decay type<br /> None of these processes increase the mass number by 1. The question might be incorrect as no standard decay process increases the mass number by 1.
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