Question

radioactive isotopes may emit alpha or beta particles that originate in the isotopes nucleus. a beta particle begins as a neutron. the change is represented by the equation seen here. according to the rules of conservation of matter, a beta particle has a mass of ______ and a charge of ______.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the mass number

According to the conservation of mass number (the sum of mass numbers on both sides of the nuclear reaction equation must be equal).
The mass number of neutron \(_0^1n\) is \(1\), and the mass number of \(_1^1H\) is \(1\). Let the mass number of \(_z^Ae\) (beta - particle) be \(A\). Then \(1=1 + A\), so \(A = 0\).

Step2: Determine the charge number

According to the conservation of charge number (the sum of charge numbers on both sides of the nuclear reaction equation must be equal).
The charge number of neutron \(_0^1n\) is \(0\), and the charge number of \(_1^1H\) is \(1\). Let the charge number of \(_z^Ae\) (beta - particle) be \(z\). Then \(0=1+z\), so \(z=- 1\).

Answer:

A. \(0,-1\)