Question detail

In a nuclear equation representing beta decay, how does the atomic number change?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and nuclear radiation

Question

A. It decreases by 2
B. It increases by 1
C. It remains unchanged
D. It decreases by 1

Answer

The correct answer is B: It increases by 1.

Explanation

The correct answer is B: It increases by 1. This supports the learning objective "Represent beta decay using a nuclear equation." in Nuclear equations because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Nuclear equations idea: It decreases by 2; It remains unchanged; It decreases by 1.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Beta Decay Representation

Students often confuse the representation of beta decay with that of alpha decay, incorrectly including mass changes.

Remember that beta decay does not change the mass number; only the atomic number increases by one. Focus on the correct nuclear equation format.

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