Question

question 15 (1 point)
when a $\beta$- particle is emitted from an unstable nucleus, the atomic number of the nucleus
increases by 1.
decreases by 1.
does not change.
none of the given answers

Explanation:

In beta - minus (β⁻) decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron (the β⁻ particle), and an antineutrino. The atomic number is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. Since a neutron is converted to a proton, the number of protons increases by 1, so the atomic number increases by 1.

Answer:

A. increases by 1.