When an atom releases a beta particle:
A. The mass number decreases by one.
B. The mass number increases by one.
C. The atomic number increases by one.
D. The atomic number remains the same.
Answer (3)
The answer is D as an electron is given off (which is a beta particle) and an electron is so small in weight/size (1/1840) that it is not counted when the mass number is calculated, instead the neutrons and protons are used Also the atomic number is only dependant on the number of protons as this identifies the element as no two elements can have the same number of protons but can have the same number of electrons (e..g isotopes). So nothind is affected so it has to be D
Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer. ;
When an atom emits a beta particle, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one while the mass number remains unchanged. Thus, the correct choice is C. The atomic number increases by one.
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