Exam-style question
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What is the result of beta decay of a neutron in a nucleus?.
- A.It becomes a proton and emits an electron.
- B.It becomes a proton and emits a positron.
- C.It remains a neutron and emits a gamma ray.
- D.It becomes a proton and absorbs an electron.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It becomes a proton and emits an electron.
Explanation
Why this works
During beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, and an electron (beta particle) is emitted. This process increases the atomic number by one while the mass number remains unchanged.
Common mistake
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