When a beta particle is released from the nucleus of an atom:

a. the number of electrons in the atom decreases by one

b. the number of electrons in the atom increases by one as the beta particle leaves the nucleus and joins the valence electrons

c. the mass number of the atom remains the same

d. the mass number of the atom decreases

Question

Chemistry

Ari Mathis

12 March, 11:52

When a beta particle is released from the nucleus of an atom:

a. the number of electrons in the atom decreases by one

b. the number of electrons in the atom increases by one as the beta particle leaves the nucleus and joins the valence electrons

c. the mass number of the atom remains the same

d. the mass number of the atom decreases

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Virginia Wright · Answer 1

When a beta particle is emitted from the nucleus the nucleus has one more proton and one less neutron. This means the atomic mass number remains unchanged and the atomic number increases by 1.

Best answer:

b. the number of electrons in the atom increases by one as the beta particle leaves the nucleus and joins the valence electrons